Summary and application of the WHO 2020 physical activity guidelines for patients with essential hypertension in primary care

The new World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 guidelines on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior include recommendations for adults with chronic conditions. The guidelines provide adaptable and general recommendations for people living with chronic medical conditions. This article summarizes the content and provides suggestions for the application of the guidelines for patients with essential hypertension in primary care. The WHO 2020 PA guidelines recommend broad advice for adults and older adults with chronic conditions. The key recommendations are consistent with other hypertension guidelines. A systemic approach to promote PA in primary care (i.e., PA assessment, safety considerations, PA prescription, behavioral counseling, and referral) along with applying the WHO guidelines is required. Health risk assessment and safety issues related to hyper-tension (e.g., current PA levels, level of blood pressure, treatment plans, comorbidities) should be concerned. The FITT Pro (frequency, intensity, time, type, and progression) can be adopted as a framework to break down the guidelines into specific PA prescription. The WHO 2020 PA guidelines address the importance of PA in clinical populations. The guidelines can be adapted for patients with hypertension in primary care settings.

Automated summary

The World Health Organization has released new guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior in 2020, which provide recommendations for individuals with chronic conditions. This article summarizes the guidelines and offers suggestions on applying them to primary care patients with essential hypertension.