10.1001/jamacardio.2021.2735
This recent single blind randomised trial shows that there is significant reduction in ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure by walking briskly thrice a week for 3 months in patients with resistant hypertension.
Hypertension is considered “resistant “when blood pressure cannot be controlled with 3 anti hypertensive medicines including a diuretic (water tablet).
Meta-analysis of randomised trials including more than 62ooo patients has already revealed that (in the old) reducing systolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 4 mm Hg lowers rate of stroke by 30% and acute heart attack by 23%.
Reduction of diastolic blood pressure by 5-6 mm Hg cuts stroke by more than 35% and heart attack by 16%.
This randomised trial published in JAMA reports reduction of office systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg after only 3 months of brisk walking , and day time lowering of systolic blood pressure by 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mm Hg.
Regular brisk walk or cycling not only reduces high blood pressure but also high blood sugar and increased weight.
So if you suffer from high blood pressure and a doctor advises against a brisk walk or a jog do NOT take him seriously.
