Hypertension and Exercise

How to treat hypertension through exercise programs

There is a clear relation between hypertension and exercise. According to America’s National Institute of Health, regular physical activity reduces systolic blood pressure by 4 to 9 mmHg (high blood pressure has a consistent systolic reading over 130 mmHg). Increasing physical activity has more of an impact on hypertension than cutting back on sodium and reducing alcohol would on their own.

Only weight reduction has a significantly greater impact, reducing your blood pressure by as much as 20 mmHg for every 22 pounds; weight reduction, of course, is often a result of regular exercise.

Furthermore, the health benefits are not limited when treating this condition. People who have hypertension and exercise daily are greatly improving their lifestyle, as cardiovascular exercise is one of the most effective methods of lowering your risk of high blood pressure.

If you have hypertension, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. High intensity workouts are not recommended for fighting hypertension, and exercises involving high resistance weight training should not be included. Mid to low intensity activities are best suited to fighting hypertension – exercise ranging from walking and swimming to aerobics and cycling is best. Taking just 30 minutes out of the day to walk the dog can have a significant impact on your health.

Less intense weight training is an appropriate activity. It is best to talk to your doctor or fitness professional to determine what level of weight training is appropriate for treating your specific case of hypertension. Every person is different and no particular treatment for hypertension and exercise regime will be the same.

To best fight high blood pressure you should talk to your doctor. The proven combination of treating high blood pressure is to take medication that treats hypertension, and exercise daily.