Gustavo F. Oliveira et al. Thais C. Marin Cláudia L. M. Forjaz Leandro C. Brito
Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events, which is strongly related with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is 3.2% lower in hypertensives than in normotensives. The negative balance between damage and regeneration of endothelial cells indicated by a high number of circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP) and reduced levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) is predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensives. Thus, therapies able to positively influence endothelial function are important to improve prognosis in hypertension.
Regular practice of exercise is recommended not only for the benefit of lowering blood pressure, but also for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensives. Important exercise-induced vascular adaptations, mainly resulting in increased endothelium-dependent vasodilation, may partially explain these exercise benefits. A previous meta-analysis showed positive effects of aerobic exercise on the endothelial function of hypertensives. However, the variation of results suggests that different exercise protocols (types and intensity) and subjects’ characteristics may influence the response of endothelial function to exercise training. In addition, the underlying mechanisms for endothelial improvement need to be known.
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