High blood pressure is well known to be a major health risk to both men and women alike. It signifies a significantly increased risk for everything from heart disease and heart attacks, to strokes, to diabetes, and to stress and sleep disturbances.
It is so important that even the most basic of visits to the doctor result in an initial blood pressure reading because it can be contributory to just about any health problem someone might have and it is a good indicator as to how one’s health is progressing for the better or worse. If you have high blood pressure exercise has to be first on your to-do list as this is a crucial step you have to take to lower blood pressure and get your health back.
Lowering blood pressure by starting an exercise regimen works in two main ways. The exercise helps to reduce stress which builds throughout your day and is well know to be a negative influence on blood pressure levels and it helps restore arterial flexibility and lower systemic inflammation, both major contributors to hypertension. Of course exercise alone is not a cure for high blood pressure but it is a major part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What people generally don’t think about when they think of exercise and blood pressure is the significance of exercise aside from the weight loss benefits. Most people think of exercise as a way to lose weight primarily however the stress relief and inflammatory response is quite significant. Studies have shown that for every 10 point increase in your blood pressure you have a rough 50 percent increased risk for heart attack or stroke. If exercise can improve your blood pressure it can quickly lower risks for cardiovascular disease.
The best exercises for your to do to lower blood pressure throughout your day is to add elements of physical activity into every part of your day. Take 4-5 ten minutes walks into your day. Carry your groceries in a basket rather than pushing them in a cart. Park in the back of the parking lot. Push a lawnmower rather than using a self-propelled model. Anything you can do to increase physical activity throughout your day is a must. This takes the pressure off of getting a 45-minute exercise session in every day.
When you do get around to your daily exercise session, stick with low intensity exercises that are aerobic in nature. Hikes, yoga, and other mildly intense yet relaxing exercise are great for getting plenty of heart healthy exercise while lowering stress levels. Remember, exercise is still just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lowering blood pressure levels. Talk to your doctor about potential treatment options and make sure to make positive changes to your diet. All three elements are needed to make meaningful progress.
photo credit: juhansonin