A study from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, reveals that a single 30-minute session of moderate walking can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This finding is particularly vital considering the heightened risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in RA patients.
The study involved 20 female participants, highlighting that RA affects women two to three times more often than men.
The study, conducted as a randomized controlled crossover trial, measured the effects of a single aerobic exercise session on resting, stress-related, and daily blood pressure in individuals with both RA and hypertension. Measurements were taken before and after the exercise session, using tests like the Stroop-Color Word Test and the Cold Pressor test to gauge stress-related blood pressure.
Results showed that the exercise group experienced a notable reduction in resting systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg, stress-induced blood pressure by 7 mmHg, and a 24-hour systolic blood pressure decrease by 5 mmHg.
This reduction is significant as even a 5 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure can clinically reduce the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and overall mortality in hypertensive individuals.
The study’s senior investigator, Dr. Tiago Peçanha, explained that aerobic exercise promotes blood vessel relaxation, leading to post-exercise hypotension. This temporary blood pressure improvement after exercise might become more permanent with regular activity.
Cardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan supported this view, suggesting that repeated exercise can lead to sustained blood pressure reductions.
It’s important to note that the study focused solely on female participants, leaving unanswered questions about the effects on men with RA. Future research is needed to explore this aspect and to further understand the relationship between RA, hypertension, and exercise.
Source: Medical News Today
