There are many benefits of exercise for a person with high blood pressure, including improved mood and improved cognitive function. While it can be tempting to shy away from physical activity, it is best to consult with your doctor to determine which activities are safe for you. Moderate aerobic exercises are ideal for this population, including jogging, dancing, and swimming. High-intensity workouts are not recommended if you have high blood pressure.
Aerobic activity can lower your blood pressure, and you can also combine it with strength-building exercises. If you’ve been sedentary for some time, moderate cardiovascular exercise is a good choice. Dr. Doroba recommends swimming, jogging, and walking. If you haven’t exercised in years, consider doing things you love, such as gardening or dancing. Start out slow and gradually increase your exercise. If you’ve never exercised before, start with walking for a few minutes a day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend exercising.
Aerobic exercise helps the heart stay healthy and function normally. Your heart beats faster during exercise and returns to normal when you stop. Regular exercise also reduces your resting heart rate. Besides lowering your resting heart rate, regular exercise makes your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. In turn, the less force your heart needs to pump blood, the lower your blood pressure will be. If you are concerned about your health and want to learn more about exercise, consult your physician.
