Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background The dietary approaches to stop hypertension(DASH) a dietary eating pattern, which emphasizes fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy foods ,and whole grains is one of the most widely prescribed dietary modifications for reducing blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease risk. Purpose of the study was to determine the effect of DASH diet and aerobic exercises on cardiovascular risks in postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty obese postmenopausal women aged from 50 to 60 years and their BMI ranged from 30 to 35 kg/m² were selected from gynecological out-patient clinic in New Cairo General Hospital ,they were divided randomly into two groups equal in number : group (A)(control group) (n=20) patients received antihypertensive medication only (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) once daily for 3 months and group(B)(study group)(n=20)patients followed DASH diet and performed aerobic exercise in the form of walking on electronic treadmill with moderate intensity(60-75%ofMHR)for30min.,3days/week for 3 months in addition to the same medication as in group (A) once daily. Blood pressure (BP) measurement and lipid profile test were performed before the beginning and at the end of the study for both groups. Results: showed that there were statistical significant difference between both groups (A and B)in systolic and diastolic BP post treatment as the P value for both groups was (0.001) favoring group (B).Also there was a statistical significant difference between both groups (A and B) in HDL, LDL, cholesterol and TG levels post treatment as the P value was (0.001) favoring group(B)

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