Tai Chi training as a primary care plan for the prevention and management of hypertension: an opinion and positioning article

Author: Ting Zhang1,2, Shuman Yang1, Wei Liu3, Qingping Bai3, Song Gao1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China. <sup>2</sup> University Hospital, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China. <sup>3</sup> Physical Education College, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China.
Conference/Journal: Ann Med
Date published: 2024 Dec 1
Other: Volume ID: 56 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 2320863 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2320863. , Word Count: 138


Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition worldwide that can impact patients' quality of life. Oral antihypertensive drugs are widely used to manage high blood pressure, primarily by regulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Nevertheless, limited efficacy and low compliance represent significant obstacles, arising primarily from dose, duration, and medication type restrictions. Furthermore, the prolonged use of antihypertensive medication may result in dependence and adverse effects, without any substantial improvement in achieving targeted blood pressure leves. As a result, research has focused on using exercise therapy to treat hypertension. Tai Chi, a widely-practiced Chinese health exercise, has evolved into a form of exercise therapy that might help alleviate the risk associated with hypertension. Therefore, this article aims to outline the role of Tai Chi in preventing and managing hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension; Tai Chi; exercise therapy; limitations; prevention and management.

PMID: 38373214 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2320863