RESUMO
In order to investigate the effect of mild physical activity on blood pressure (BP), 62 subjects - 21 normotensives (NT) and 41 controlled-hypertensives (CHT) - were submitted to 20 minutes of walking and the evaluation of their systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (SBP, DBP and HR, respectively) was performed before, during and after exercise. Maximal SBP and DBP values as well as the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were also assessed. The results show significant diference between the profile of SBP, DBP and HR response from the NT and CHT, the latter presenting less response than the former (P<0.05). During exercise, maximal SBP and DBP from CHT were not at dangerous levels (mean + - SEM = 148.7 + - 2.5 X 84.7 + - 1.3) corresponding to mild or borderline hypertension. However, other risk factors were detected in the studied group. These findings indicate that hypertension is connected with specific alterations in the control of BP.