ABSTRACT
Most population based studies confirm that hypertension increases an individual's risk of various cardiovascular consequences approximately two or three fold. The purpose of this study was to compare of the effect of aerobic training with diet and diet on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure in overweight and obese women with hypertension [stage one]. Twenty-one female volunteers, with stage one hypertension were selected; and after completion of questionnaires, were randomly divided into two groups; a] aerobic training with diet group [n=11] and b] diet group [n=10]. The first group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on just weight loss [low calorie diet] with exercise. The second group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on weight loss [low calorie diet]. Blood pressure, anthropometric characteristics, metabolic and hormonal profiles and VO2peak were measured in the first, 8th and 16th sessions. Data were analyzed by GLM-Repeated Measures at a significance level of P<0/05. Both groups showed a significant reduction in weight, BMI, body fat percent, mean arterial and systolic blood pressure and an increase in VO2max. Only the first group [aerobic training with diet group] showed a significant decrease in waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol and an increase in rennin levels. Results indicate the combined program [aerobic training with diet] is more effective in lowering blood pressure and provides cardiovascular improvements in overweight/obese women who have stage one hypertension