Mixed
In hypertensive populations (SBP ≥140 mmHg), various exercise types (endurance, resistance, isometric, combination) are equally effective as most antihypertensive medications (ACE-I, ARB, beta-blockers, diuretics).
If you have high blood pressure, structured exercise is a powerful tool that works as well as common blood pressure medications. You can use exercise as a primary treatment or alongside medication. Consult your doctor to determine the best approach for your specific case.
Among hypertensive populations, there were no detectable differences in the SBP-lowering effects of ACE-I, ARB, β-blocker and diuretic medications when compared with endurance or dynamic resistance exercise.
Why this rating
Network meta-analysis, but the hypertensive subgroup has fewer exercise trials (56) compared to medication trials (194), leading to less precision in exercise estimates.
Source
How does exercise treatment compare with antihypertensive medications? A network meta-analysis of 391 randomised controlled trials assessing exercise and medication effects on systolic blood pressure
Huseyin Naci et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2018
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