If you have chronic high blood pressure, you've probably already
been told that you are at risk of developing heart disease,
cardiovascular
disease and stroke. Your doctor may have prescribed a medication
to help lower your blood pressure and recommended that you
avoid sodium, caffeine, and other substances.
If you haven't received any exercise recommendations, listen
to this: A study examined the effect of nine months of low-intensity
aerobic training on blood pressure in 26 elderly patients
who were receiving medication to regulate high blood pressure.
Thirteen patients agreed to take part in physical training
using a treadmill for 30 minutes, three to six times a week.
The remaining thirteen patients did not train and were compared
after nine months with the group that did.
After nine months, patients participating in the treadmill
exercise program experienced a decrease in blood pressure
compared with patients who did not exercise. Stopping this
training, however, resulted in a relatively rapid return to
pre-training levels in five patients within one month, suggesting
the importance of adopting a consistent exercise routine.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor,
who will also be able to recommend a sensible, moderate exercise
program that will help keep your blood pressure low and your
spirits high!
Reference:
Motoyama M, Sunami Y, et al. Blood pressure lowering effect
of low intensity aerobic training in elderly hypertensive
patients. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise,
June 1998; vol. 30, no. 6, pp818-23.
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