High Blood Pressure and Exercise

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it does not cause symptoms unless it is very high. Lifestyle changes along with prescribed medication can control your blood pressure.

Doctors often recommend high blood pressure medications, exercise and lifestyle modifications when treating hypertension. Always speak to your doctor before starting your exercise program. Changes in lifestyle can improve blood pressure. Losing weight, managing stress, making better food choices, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, reducing your sodium intake and increasing physical activity can improve systolic blood pressure readings.

Exercise Recommendations for Individuals with Hypertension:

1. Aerobic exercise is recommended 3 to 7 days a week but remember that daily activity is best.
2. Exercise should last 30 to 60 minutes and include a 5-10 minute warm-up and a 5-10 minute cool-down.
3. Low to moderate intensity for aerobic exercise is safe for those on high blood pressure medication.
4. Perform low intensity weight training and be sure to avoid holding your breath while strength training.

The benefits of adding exercise to the management of hypertension include lowering your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. For additional information refer to the American Heart Association and speak to your doctor.

Deb Gargano, M.S.

Exercise Physiologist, Certified Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Modification Counselor

Email me with questions or comments about your health and fitness at GetFitPersonalTraining@live.com

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Specializing in designing customized fitness programs for weight loss and strength training for athletes, new moms, middle-aged men and women, senior citizens, and those with physical limitations, recovering from surgery, or post-therapy.