"Combining Aerobic Exercise with Strength Training Reduces Hypertension Risk by 44%"

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Institute of Health announced on the 6th that a study published in an international academic journal found that appropriate physical activity and resistance exercise (strength training) can reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

Photo of blood pressure measurement. [Image source=Getty Images]

Previously, regular aerobic physical activity was known to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, but the effects of resistance exercise on blood pressure were controversial, and most evidence for preventive effects was lacking due to cross-sectional study designs.

Accordingly, the research team used 12 years of follow-up data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study to examine the association between aerobic physical activity, resistance exercise, and the incidence of hypertension. First, engaging in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), significantly reduced the incidence of hypertension, with about a 31% reduction in men and about a 35% reduction in women.

Resistance exercise further lowered the risk of hypertension in women who practiced aerobic physical activity, and those who engaged in both types of exercise reduced their risk of developing hypertension by up to 44% compared to those who did not exercise. The study subjects were adults aged 40 to 70, with aerobic physical activity participation rates of 40% for men and 36% for women, while only 12% of men and 8% of women performed resistance exercise at least once a week.

The research team expects that these findings can be used as evidence for hypertension prevention and plans to conduct further studies on the causes of gender differences in the preventive effects of resistance exercise on hypertension. Dr. Jaeho Park, the first author, stated, "Through follow-up studies considering the intensity of resistance exercise, we will be able to identify the optimal types, frequency, duration, and periods of exercise to effectively prevent hypertension according to gender."

Jiyoung Mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, urged, "Increasing the participation rates of aerobic physical activity and resistance exercise among the public is necessary not only for hypertension but also for the prevention of various chronic diseases."

The study results were published in the international academic journal 'Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.