Hypertension (HTN), one of the most common medical conditions, is linked to an increased risk of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease (CVD). For the prevention, treatment, and control of HTN, lifestyle changes are recommended, with exercise being a key component. In persons with normal blood pressure and those with HTN, exercise regimens that largely emphasize endurance activity prevent the development of HTN and lower blood pressure (BP). Exercise has the greatest effect on lowering blood pressure in patients with HTN who engage in endurance exercise, with BP dropping 5–7 mm Hg after an isolated exercise session (acute) or after exercise training (chronic). Furthermore, after an endurance exercise bout, BP is reduced for up to 22 hours (e.g., post exercise hypotension), with the biggest reductions among those with the highest baseline BP.
