| Objective：To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise training on pulse pressure index (PPI) in elderly patients with primary hypertension. Methods：Sixty aged patients with hypertension were randomly divided into two groups: group A for the control group, and group B for aerobic exercise training group. Group A was given the conventional antihypertensive treatment. Group B received the low or medium intensity aerobic exercise (4 times every week) on the basis of conventional antihypertensive therapy. The changes in blood pressure, lipids, PP, PPI and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels of the two groups were observed during the treatment within the follow-up period of six months. Results：The systolic and diastolic blood pressure in two groups was significantly decreased after treatment for 6 months (P<0.05). The systolic blood pressure in group B was significantly lower than in group A (P<0.05), and the diastolic blood pressure between the two groups had no obvious difference (P>0.05) after treatment for 6 months. Before and after treatment for 6 months, the lipids and AIP in two groups had no significant difference (P>0.05). Between the two groups, the lipids and AIP in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.05). The PP was followed up at 2nd, 4th and 6th month respectively, and PP in group B was lower than that in group A (P<0.05) in the above periods. The PPI in group A was followed up at 2nd, 4th and 6th month, and there was no statistically significant difference before and after treatment (P>0.05). The PPI in group B was reduced remarkably at 4th and 6th month as compared with pretreatment (P<0.05). At 6th month after treatment, PPI in group B was significantly lower than in group A (P<0.05).Conclusion:Long-term regular aerobic exercise training can decrease the PPI of elderly hypertensive patients, delaying the development of atherosclerosis. |
