Exercising with High blood pressure

Over 60 million adults in this country suffer from high blood pressure.
This number is risen a dramatic percent over the 50 million from ten years ago.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is now at epidemic proportions. The concern is the risk for many systemic problems including kidney failure, stroke and heart attack.

Overcome HBP through prevention

With obesity at an all time high, there is still not enough focus on lifestyle and the positive effects of prevention. Additional research provides insight that even patients who take medicine for severe hypertension, can benefit from mild to moderate - intensity exercise.

Hypertension and Health Risks

Ideal blood circulation is measured at 120/80 mmHg. A diagnosis of hypertension would be given to patient with a steady reading at 140/90 mmHg. Sedentary life styles, aging, hormonal irregularities, poor dietary habits, and stress can all play a role in having a predilection to hypertension.

The asset of Exercise

Although exercise initially increases heart rate and blood pressure, working out routinely will create a resting blood pressure that is lower, as it gets use to supplying the supplying the body more efficiently with oxygenated blood.

4 Points to Safe Exercise with HBP
1. No Isometric Exercise.
This type of exercise creates constriction in vessels and pressure build up. Excessive pressure increases should be avoided to allow for full relaxation of the involved muscle or muscle group.

2. Remember to Breath
When the breath is held during periods of exercise, vascular pressure increases.
A relaxed rhythm of breeding is most important.

3. No Muscle Failure on Final Repetition
Blood pressure shows to be greatest during the last repetitions of a set. This is because the muscles tire and require more effort.
To prevent the increased pressure, moderate resistance is recommended, avoiding muscle failure.

4. The Necessity of Rest
This last recommendation of keeping blood pressure moderately elevated during workouts for HBP patients is to have spurts of exercise interlaced with periods of rest, allowing time for breathing and relaxation.

Medication Consideration

When medicine has been prescribed for HBP, some become apprehensive in the decision to exercise. Evidence suggests that exercise is beneficial for those taking blood pressure medication. However, before starting any exercise program, always consult the prescribing physician.

If you are not currently exercising and have not seen your doctor lately, take some time and invest in your health. If you had time to stand in line to vote, you can take the time to wait for your doctor. It won’t be as long or as painful.

If you have been exercising, but are not sure about your blood pressure, get it checked out soon.

Objects in motion stay in motion – Issac Newton

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Sklar Chiropractor


References

1. Fagard RH. Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in the obese. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31(11Suppl): S624-630
2. Kokkinos PF, Papademetriou V. Exercise and hypertension. Coron Artery Dis 2000;11(2):99-102.
3. Fountaine T. Resistance training for patients with hypertension. Strength and Conditioning 1997;19:5-7.
4. Miller ER 3rd, Erlinger TP et al. Results of the diet, exercise and weight loss intervention trial(DEW-IT). Hypertension 2002;40 (5):612-618.
5. Hendrick A Resistance training with older populations: justifications, benefits and protocol. Strength and Conditioning 1998;20:32-39
6. Christensen K 4 Keys to exercise safely with high blood pressure. Chiro Well 2004(Vol 4)10: 16-18