Effects of exercise training on postmenopausal hypertension: implications on nitric oxide levels

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women. Exercise training has been proved to decrease its risk factors and cardiovascular events. Aerobic exercise training stimulates endothelial nitric oxide release that acts as an antithrombotic and is cardiovascular protective. The effect of aerobic exercise training on postmenopausal hypertension is not fully elucidated.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: to investigate the effects of moderate exercise training on nitric oxide levels in postmenopausal hypertension.

METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 30 postmenopausal women involved in this study. The participants had at least one year's history of postmenopausal hypertension. Their ages ranged (40-50) years. Their body mass index ranged (30-36 Kg/m(2)). They were divided into two equal groups (treatment and control). Nitric oxide levels and blood pressure were measured in both groups in the initial examination at the beginning of the study, and at the end of the study. The treatment group received moderate aerobic exercise training. This ranged from 60-70% of maximum heart rate by walking on a treadmill at an average speed of 4km/hour for at least 20 minutes, three sessions a week, for 8 weeks.

RESULTS: Body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were statistically significantly decreased. Nitric oxide levels were significantly increased in the treatment group. In this group the level of NO increased by 30.4% and systolic blood pressure decreased by 16.2%. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9.5% and body mass index decreased by 6%. In the control group the NO level increased by 8%. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 3% and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3%.

CONCLUSION: Exercise performed at moderate intensity for two months had obvious benefits in improving NO levels and controlling the hypertension in obese postmenopausal women.