Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Hypertension Improved with Interval Workouts

Family Practice News reported on a presentation at the European Society of Cardiology confirming the controversial PACE program developed by Dr. Al Sears. In the study after only 12 weeks, interval training of relatively short bursts of exercise achieving 90-95% of Maximal Heart Rate over a total workout time of 12-20 minutes, 3 times a week did much better in lowering blood pressure than conventional aerobic exercise. The average reduction in BP was 154/94 to 141/87. Mean heart rate, brachial artery elasticity, and HDL cholesterol all improved more in the PACE program as well. We are now recommending the PACE program to most of our patients. Virtually all track athletes use interval training to achieve maximal fitness, and it appears that similar training is effective even into old age. Always check with your doctor before engaging in any exercise program.

See Family Practice News, (click here) subscription required -October 1, 2009, p. 13 or google PACE exercise program.

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