OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a behavior change program named Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saude on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Ninety hypertensive patients aged over 40 years were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saude or control (n = 45 respectively). Patients in the Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saude group took part in a behavior change program aimed to encourage changes in physical activity levels and eating habits, according to the social cognitive theory. The program consisted of 90-minute weekly group meetings conducted by a physical therapist and a dietitian. One chapter of the educational material (workbook) provided was discussed per meeting. Participants in the control group attended a single educative lecture on lifestyle changes. Brachial and central blood pressure, arterial stiffness and endothelial function parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saude led to reduction of brachial (131.3 +/- 15.8 mmHg to 125.1 +/- 17.3 mmHg; p < 0.01) and central (123.6 +/- 16.3 mmHg to 119.0 +/- 20.6 mmHg; p = 0.02) systolic and brachial diastolic (123.6 +/- 16.3 mmHg to 119.0 +/- 20.6 mmHg; p < 0.01) blood pressure values, and improvement of post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (from 5.7 +/- 2.5 mL/100 mL to 6.5 +/- 2.1 mL/100 mL tissue/min; p = 0.04). No changes in body composition, heart rate and arterial stiffness parameters were detected in both groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saude program improved blood pressure and microvascular reactivity in hypertensive patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02257268.

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