ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of hypertension. It explores the effects of different types of exercise training on blood pressure. The chapter discusses safety procedures based on the medication and the response of blood pressure to exercise. Hypertension is the most common preventable cause of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the world. Hypertension is a complex and heterogenous disorder that originates from the interplay of numerous environmental and genetic factors. The regulation of mean arterial pressure is dependent on the balance between cardiac output and total peripheral vascular resistance. The pathophysiology of hypertension is extremely complex and multifactorial, depending on the balanced regulation of multiple neural, renal, endocrine and vascular mechanisms. The current exercise recommendations for hypertension are predominantly based on meta-analyses involving European-descendent populations.
