RESUMO
Methods of lifestyle modification, including exercise can prevent cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients through augmentation of endothelial function. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic exercise on the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and glucose in hypertensive postmenopausal women. In this clinical trial, 20 stage 1 hypertensive postmenopausal women [50-55 years old] were randomly divided into two groups of exercise training and control. Training program consisted of 6 weeks of 45-60min aerobic exercise at 50-65% of maximum heart rate, for 45-60min persession, and 3 sessions per week. The control group did not participate in any training program. Blood pressure [BP] and plasma levels of VEGF and glucose was measured before and 48h after the last training session. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, levene, and paired t-tests. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Systolic and diastolic BP was significantly reduced in the exercise training group after 6 weeks [p<0.001]. In addition, 6 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly increased VEGF [p<0.002] and decreased glucose level [p<0.001]. According to the results of this study, regular aerobic exercise training is associated with a decrease in blood glucose and also an increase in VEFG in hypertensive postmenopausal women