Hypertension & Exercise

Hypertension is a medical condition that can be dangerous if not treated or controlled because it can lead to more serious health problems such as heart ailments. The safest and most effective ways of reducing hypertension and improving health are having a proper diet, living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular exercise.

What is Hypertension?

• Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure. When pressure levels are high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. This extra work can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and heart failure.

Preventing Hypertension with Exercise

• If you stay active, you can keep your blood pressure normal. Activity makes the heart stronger and more efficient so it doesn't have to work as hard to do its job. If you stay active, you are less likely to be overweight, which is another risk factor for developing hypertension. The extra pounds put strain on your heart.

Treating Hypertesion with Exercise

• If you already have high blood pressure, exercise can help bring it down. A 2000 study published in Sports Medicine found that 75 percent of people could lower their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Even better, the study found these benefits were gained even from moderate exercise, such as walking.

Best Types of Exercise for Hypertension

• Because you want to improve the strength of your heart, choose aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, walking, stair climbing, and most athletic sports. These train your body to use oxygen more effectively and improve the efficiency of your lungs and your heart.

How Much Exericse

• Whether you're preventing or treating hypertension, you should spend at least 30 minutes per day, three to four times a week doing aerobic exercise. You should gradually increase the amount of time you exercise and/or the intensity of your exercises (running instead of walking, for example) so your heart will keep getting stronger from the workouts.