Heat Therapy Versus Exercise Training in Hypertension

This is a clinical trial to determine whether 30 sessions of heat therapy in the form of hot water immersion is better than 30 sessions of traditional aerobic exercise training on blood pressure reduction in people with elevated or Stage 1 hypertension.

Hypertension accounts for more cardiovascular disease related deaths than any other modifiable risk factor. While exercise training can be effective at reducing blood pressure in some individuals, many people do not respond to exercise training, and many more are unwilling to undergo regular exercise training. Alternative options need to be explored. This is a clinical trial to determine whether 30 sessions of heat therapy in the form of hot water immersion is better than 30 sessions of traditional aerobic exercise training on blood pressure reduction in people with elevated blood pressure (hypertension). The investigators will evaluate known biomarkers of cardiovascular health. It is hypothesized that heat therapy will be superior to exercise training on blood pressure reduction.

Group will undergo 30 sessions of heat therapy over approximately 10 weeks. Sessions will require subjects to be immersed in hot water for up to 45 minutes per session.

Group will undergo 30 sessions of aerobic exercise training over approximately 10 weeks. Sessions will require subjects to exercise on a cycle ergometer for up to 45 minutes per session.

Inclusion Criteria: Systolic Blood Pressure 120 mmHg or greater and less than 180 mmHg or Diastolic Blood Pressure of 80mmHg or greater and less than 120mmHg Exclusion Criteria: Secondary hypertension; diagnosed cardiovascular disease other than hypertension; taking anti-hypertensive drugs; BMI of 35 or greater; fasting glucose greater than 125 mg/dl; women who are pregnant, nursing, or desiring to become pregnant.