$Unique_ID{BRK00974}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Exercise Helpful in Lowering Blood Pressure or Dangerous?}
$Subject{blood pressure exercise Circulatory lifestyle lifestyles aerobic
exercise walking jogging dilating blood vessels hypertension}
$Volume{G-23}
$Log{
Exercise Improves Circulation*0003207.scf
Anatomy of Blood Pressure*0009501.scf
Causative Factors of Hypertension*0009601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Exercise Helpful in Lowering Blood Pressure or Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  I have a mildly elevated blood pressure, and am taking medication
that seems to keep things in order.  My doctor thinks I need more exercise,
and that it would be helpful in lowering my blood pressure.  My wife says that
your blood pressure goes up when you run or walk fast, and that it would be
dangerous.  Whose right?  Would using weights be all right instead?

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ANSWER:  Would you be too confused if I told you that both your physician and
your wife were correct?  It is true that your blood pressure may rise during
periods of exercise, but that is a temporary situation, and is not considered
dangerous or harmful.  The fact is that a regular schedule of aerobic
exercise, walking, jogging or formal aerobic classes can all lead to a lower
blood pressure, and certainly a healthier you.  In fact while aerobic exercise
may temporarily increase your systolic pressure (the higher number in your
blood pressure reading that occurs when the heart contracts), the diastolic
pressure (the lower number which measure the pressure that exists between
heart beats) is generally lower during exercise.  This is due to the opening
(dilating) of the blood vessels to allow additional blood to flow to the
muscles that are working.  While this diastolic blood pressure lowering does
not occur during an exercise session with weights, it is not considered
dangerous either.  Probably the best type of exercise is to add a little
weight lifting or weight training to an aerobic exercise session.  There is
one caution, though, that needs to be stated.  Exercise is a wonderful health
activity for people with hypertension that is under control and at or near
normal levels.  Those who have blood pressure readings that are more than
180/100 mm Hg (millimeters of Mercury, the traditional manner of recording
blood pressure readings) should not indulge in any program of exercise until
proper medical care has reduced their pressure.  In your case, with a mild and
controlled hypertension, the choice of exercise programs is up to you.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.