Is there an association between physical exercise and the quality of life of hypertensive patients?

Abstract

Context: Quality of life of hypertensive patients (QOLHP) is associated with factors that are not always taken into account in the recommendations made by doctors. Objective: To evaluate the association between QOLHP and physical exercise in an effectiveness approach, i.e. under the actual conditions of application of these treatments. Methodology: In a sample of 361 hypertensive patients registered in a primary care center in Tenerife, Spain, the QOLHP is measured using the PECVEC questionnaire. The main factor considered is physical exercise. In addition, we compiled a set of control variables: pharmacological and dietetic treatments, pathological, clinical, functional, psychological, social, lifestyle and demographic characteristic of the patients. We explored the association between all these factors and the QOLHP by adjusting multiple linear regression models. Results: The PECVEC results were between 2.0 and 3.5, with an overall Cronbach's α reliability statistic of 0.88. From the sample, 58% of the patients engage in physical exercise, 75% maintain a anti-hypertension diet and 89% take hypertension medication. From all the treatments evaluated, only physical exercise is associated directly with all PECVEC scales, especially for women and patients over 65. Conclusions: Recommending the practice of physical exercise may be a useful tool for doctors to improve the QOLHP. © 2006 Blackwell Munksgaard.