Exercise for Patients with High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, defined as a chronically elevated blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg, affects nearly 75 million Americans. If left untreated, hypertension can dramatically increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease. Exercise not only improves the workings of the cardiovascular system, but can lower blood pressure as well. The key to maximizing the benefits of exercise is to follow a well-designed program that you can stick to over the long-term.

Making exercise a habit can help lower your blood pressure. It also gives you more energy and is a great way to ease stress and feel better.

What Type of Exercise Is Best?

1 Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. Examples include walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, high- or low-impact aerobics, swimming, and water aerobics.

2 Strength training builds strong muscles that help you burn more calories throughout the day. It’s also good for your joints and bones.

3 Stretching makes you more flexible, helps you move better, and helps prevent injury.

Ways to Stick With Exercise:

1. Make it fun! You'll be more likely to stick with it.

2. Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Plan when you're going to exercise and put it on your calendar.

3. Find an exercise "buddy." This will help you stay motivated and enjoy it more.
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