An analysis from researchers at the University of Eastern Finland shows that higher levels of physical fitness can lower the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men with elevated blood pressure. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, adds important context to the ongoing discussion about how lifestyle habits influence heart health.
The research followed 2,280 men aged 42 to 61 at the outset. Baseline measurements captured both blood pressure and fitness levels between 1984 and 1989. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated using maximum oxygen uptake while subjects rode a stationary bicycle, providing a practical measure of how efficiently the heart and lungs work during exertion.
At the start, the median age of participants was 53. The cohort was tracked for up to 29 years, with death records collected through 2018. Throughout this period, 644 cardiovascular-related deaths were recorded, offering a substantial data set to assess risk patterns over time.
Findings indicate that men who carried both high blood pressure and low physical fitness faced more than twice the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with men who had normal blood pressure and good fitness. By contrast, those with high blood pressure but higher fitness demonstrated a reduced risk profile, though their danger remained elevated relative to peers with normal blood pressure and strong fitness. Specifically, their risk was about 55 percent higher than the reference group.
The authors note that good physical fitness does not fully offset the extra danger linked to hypertension. Rather, it meaningfully lowers it. In practical terms, controlling blood pressure remains the central objective for men with hypertension, but improving physical fitness is an important complementary goal for reducing cardiovascular mortality risk.
To ensure robust conclusions, the analysis adjusted for several potential confounders, including age, body mass index, cholesterol levels, smoking status, type 2 diabetes, prior coronary heart disease, alcohol use, and socioeconomic status. This strengthens the association between fitness levels and cardiovascular outcomes within hypertensive populations.
Guidance from major cardiovascular authorities aligns with these findings. The European Society of Cardiology recommends adults of all ages pursue 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. Regular activity supports heart health and can contribute to better blood pressure control over time.
Taken together, the study reinforces a practical takeaway: for men with high blood pressure, elevating physical fitness offers a tangible advantage in reducing cardiovascular mortality risk, even when blood pressure remains a concern. The message is clear—lifestyle choices matter, and steady, structured activity pairs with clinical management to improve long-term outcomes. Attribution: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, findings from the University of Eastern Finland study.