Whether you enjoy walking or running, jogging, or cycling, there are plenty of ways to increase your daily activity and reduce your blood pressure. Short, intense exercise can increase blood pressure by raising it quickly and placing too much stress on your heart and blood vessels. If you have high blood pressure, it is especially dangerous to engage in extreme sports. In order to prevent this problem, it is important to get a doctor’s certificate and exercise moderately.
A recent study found that participants who exercised at a 1-mile-per-hour pace on a desk-based treadmill achieved optimal blood pressure readings. Those who exercised on a stationary bike under a desk also saw blood pressure reductions. Strength training, like lifting weights, will increase blood pressure temporarily, but can help improve your overall fitness. It is also important to avoid fatty or oily foods after exercising.
When you exercise, your blood pressure will increase to push oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. However, some people have an exaggerated response to exercise and their blood pressure may spike up to 250 mmHg. For example, in a study published in the Journal of American Colleges of Medicine, forty-four men and forty-four women between the ages of 55 and 75 were evaluated. Each participant had untreated mild hypertension with a diastolic blood pressure of 85 to 99 mmHg.
If you are an exercise enthusiast, you may be wondering if you should exercise to decrease your blood pressure. While exercise does help your cardiovascular system, the only way to monitor your blood pressure after a workout is to check it afterward. While this can help you stay motivated and focused during your workouts, it’s also important to check your blood pressure afterward to make sure it is back to normal. If you have high blood pressure after exercising, it is important to seek medical advice.
