PREVENTION, PHYSICAL THERAPY AND REHABILITATION OF HYPERTENSION


Authors: Vasileios Politis, Galina Мratskova
Keywords: Hypertension, prevention, rehabilitation, natural physical factors, therapeutic exercises

Abstract:
Introduction: Hypertension is proven to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is a primary risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases, as it doubles the risk of CHD (Coronary Heart Disease), CHF (Coronary Heart Failure) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) appearance. Physical therapy has an important role regarding prevention of hypertension, especially in people who belong to groups of high risk. Physical therapy is applied mostly in first and second stage of the disease. The purpose of this review report is to explore the possibilities for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation through the application of therapeutic approaches from Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. Materials and methods: We conducted a review of available scientific sources in Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct and other scientific databases, which included reports, scientific randomized trials, prospective controlled trials, guidelines for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in patients at risk and already suffering from hypertension. Results: Our review of the scientific literature found evidence for the possible benefits of natural and modified physical factors application against hypertension. Conclusion: Potentially effective strategies for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in patients with hypertension include: aerotherapy, sunbathing, hydrotherapy, spa, therapeutic massage and physiotherapy, which mainly refers to therapeutic gymnastics. Regular exercise can also function as a preventive factor against hypertension. Slow Stroke Back Massage is also considered as a physical therapy practice, which combats headache occurrence as a symptom of hypertension.Download article