By Jimmy DownsWednesday Jan 29, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Physical activity may help prevent arterial stiffness in people suffering hypertension, which is viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to a study in Journal of Physical Activity and Health.O'Donovan C from School of Medicine, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and colleagues conducted the study and found significant inverse associations between habitual physical activity of all intensities and both pulse wave velocity and augmentation index among individuals with newly diagnosed essential hypertension. Physical activity has been known to render beneficial effects on arterial stiffness in healthy adults.  The current study suggests that physical activity can also benefit people with diagnosed hypertension.The study involved 53 adults of whom 16 had metabolic syndrome.  Physical inactivity was found positively associated with pulse wave velocity and augmentation index.