Exercise & Low Blood Pressure
One reason high blood pressure is so common is that people are not active enough. Regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure by about the same amount as many blood pressure medications.
According the guidelines set by the American Medical Association, failing to exercise at least two to three times a week for at least 20 minutes puts you at the same level of risk as someone who smokes two packs of cigarettes a day.
For many years, the common belief was that you had to exercise vigorously if you wanted to become physically fit and improve your health. Now, we know that daily activities such as mowing the lawn, riding bike or hoeing the flowerbed can all contribute to a more active lifestyle.
The activities should be moderately intense. Aerobic activity has the greatest effect on controlling your blood pressure. An activity is aerobic if it places added demands on your heart, lungs and muscles, increasing your need for oxygen.
Cleaning house, playing golf or raking leaves are all aerobic activities if they require a fairly light to somewhat hard effort. Walking, jogging, swimming and working out on exercise machines are also aerobic activities.
If you are at risk for high blood pressure, regular activity can keep the condition from developing. If you take blood pressure medication, activity can make it work more effectively.
In addition to helping control blood pressure, regular activity also reduces your risk for heat attack, high cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Plus, it improves concentration, results in better sleep, reduces fatigue, reduces stress and anxiety and promotes flexibility and agility, reducing your risk for falls.
Mayo Clinic is offering a free booklet, "Eight Ways to Lower Your Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke" Write to Mayo Clinic Health Information, Blood Pressure Offer, OE-6, 200 First St, SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
