Exercise may be the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth, according to Dr. Vincent R. Moloney, a retired physician. Exercise lays the foundation for long-term benefits for hypertensive patients by helping to lower systolic and diastolic readings as much as 5 to 10 mm Hg and assisting in weight loss. The American Heart Association recommends about 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per day, which might include brisk walking, gardening or common household chores.
Blood Pressure Goes Up Initially
During and immediately after exercising, your blood pressure will be higher. The systolic reading can be as much as 30 to 50 mm Hg higher than a reading taken at rest. Don’t be alarmed, this high reading will decrease in the 5 to 10 minute cool-down period after exercise. This initial rise is beneficial to your body because it increases blood flow to and from the working muscles.
Exercise, Weight Loss and Blood Pressure
Exercise and proper attention to diet can help decrease your weight. Losing weight can lower blood pressure substantially on its own. For every pound you lose, your blood pressure goes down as much as with exercise alone. Therefore, you get a two-for-one impact on blood pressure when you exercise and lose weight.
Exercise Reduces Hormones that Constrict Blood Vessels
The body produces two hormones that decrease the diameter of small arteries called arterioles. These hormones are epinephrine and norepinephrine. According to a study by the University of New Mexico, exercise can reduce the level of norepinephrine in the blood. With a reduction in this hormone, the blood vessels are less restricted and blood can flow more freely, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Exercise Helps the Body Deal with Stress
The ability of exercise to reduce stress and improve mental well-being is well documented, although researchers have a hard time pinpointing exactly why. A study by Len Kravitz of the University of New Mexico says that being physically fit helps people cope with their environment, thus immediately reducing autonomic responses to stress such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
About this Author
Laura W. Smith has worked as a freelance writer since 2007, producing content for eHow and LIVESTRONG. She has worked as a women’s fitness trainer for three years and specializes in health and fitness topics. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Baptist Bible College and has studied journalism at Wayland Baptist University.
