Regular aerobic exercise is important to the control of blood pressure. This will reduce vascular resistance by dilating the blood vessels and help to control body weight (60% of people with hypertension are 20% or more overweight).

In some cases, systemic hypertension will produce side effects that will impose limits to safe physical exertion. Excessive weight training may worsen hypertension. Therefore, it is important that anyone with systemic hypertension, treated or untreated, should consult with their cardiologist about physical activity to review the risks.