Regular physical activity (PA) is one of the most important factors for the primary prevention of arterial hypertension (AH) and for improving the long-term survival of these patients. Its benefits extend beyond AH, also providing improvements to patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, kidney dysfunction, depression, obstructive pulmonary disease, and osteoarthritis, among others.

“Physical activity” literally refers to any movement of the body; however, in epidemiological studies that assess its health context, it is related to activities that produce substantial increases in oxygen (O₂) consumption. PA can be performed both at work and during leisure and recreation, with all modalities being used to study the effects of PA on cardiovascular health. The PA developed to improve health or to obtain performance benefits is considered “exercise”.

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