High Blood Pressure and Exercise

High Blood Pressure Exercise

The human body is never constituted for lethargy. Exercises are now a substitute for the natural tendency of our body for activity. We live in conditions where this has been minimized, what with all the unnatural comforts we crave for. Exercises can stimulate blood flow and promote tissue growth in muscle and bone. It brings under control nervous fatigue and tension, and is a wonderful tool for prevention and treatment of diseases besides providing other health benefits.

There are numerous exercises you can perform to ease your condition. One can take advantage of yogic exercises where physical and spiritual enhancement is emphasized, tai chi, qui gong, aroma therapy etc. It is important to understand that exercises need not always constitute physical exertion. Exercises can be stress reduction programmes, meditation, breathing techniques, etc which again confers the same benefits to our body.

Exercise confers many health benefits that can aid in the control and reduction of high pressure. It improves circulation, reduces stress, decreases the resting heart rate, maintains elasticity of blood vessels, boosts HDL cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure. All these lead to lesser risk from heart attacks, stroke and other related conditions.For people with elevated pressure, however, exercises which are less strenuous are what are recommended. Moderate jogging, brisk walking, gardening and swimming etc are excellent. Care should be taken so that all exercises are followed at the advice of your doctor.

For mild to moderate high pressure this is an effective non drug therapy and for severe high pressure, an excellent complimentary therapy. Stretching exercises before and after any physical activity is recommended since it prevents muscle strains, and when performed regularly, they also increase flexibility, strength, and circulation. Be active in your daily routine, it helps to add on to your exercises. Try avoiding sitting and resting, and practice relaxation techniques even at spare time.

Epidemiological researches showed a direct correlation between hypertension and lack of physical activity. In depth studies have been conducted regarding the value of high blood pressure exercises in preventing and treating hypertension. Emphasis was placed on the possible effect of body weight and size on the results of exercise. In measuring pressure it was found that physical activity and recommended exercises do contribute to the control of the condition. Exercise was however less effective than diet.