Effects of Physical Activity on Controlling Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive Patients at the Region of Prizren

Abstract

Aim: To describe the effect of physical activity on controlling blood pressure among hypertensive patients at Region of Prizren. Method: A sample of 101 patients diagnosed with hypertension in the region of Prizren, which were randomly selected from those hypertensive patients who visited the Main Family Medicine Centre and Private ambulance “Nderimed” for their regular follow up. A structured questionnaire (Life Style Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale) with questions on different characteristics was administered. In terms of gender composition there were 41 men and 49 women, aged between 45 and 74 years old. Result: Among our sample just 7.8 percent reported that they make physical activity regularly. 68 percent of the sample reported that they engaged less than one hour per week in some kind of activity and their motivation to do so was also weak, just half of them report that they want to lose in weight. When participants were asked how many hours they move by walk or bike, with 0 hours reported 69 percent. Conclusion: The increased risk of physical inactivity in controlling hypertension in this study suggests that general practitioners must be in the habit of prescribing practice of physical exercise and patients are followed up regularly to confirm that they are adhering to the management plan and the blood pressure targets are being met.