An estimated 70 million Americans have high blood pressure, or hypertension, that puts them at substantially higher risk for a heart attack or stroke (cerebral hemorrhage). Doctors now consider a person to be mildly hypertensive if the systolic (higher) reading is 140-159 mm Hg, or the diastolic (lower) reading is 90-99 mm Hg. Although high blood pressure is caused by a number of factors, including heredity, it's been consistently shown that a program of regular physical exercise helps to prevent or manage high blood pressure. Based on many studies, the expected average reduction is 10 points in systolic pressure, and 8 points in diastolic pressure. Regular exercise is now recommended as a primary treatment in many cases of mild hypertension, or in conjunction with medication, in more severe cases. The exercise should always be in the easy-to-moderate range (for example, walking, cycling or swimming). Best recommendation is to exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. An important danger of high blood pressure is stroke, and while physical inactivity may be a risk factor for stroke, regular activity could help cut that risk by as much as 70 percent compared to people who don't exercise. Exercise helps improve the quality of circulation, since it dilates blood vessels so the heart can pump more easily to supply blood throughout the body. The result is a lower resting blood pressure (as well as a lower resting pulse rate). Exercise also helps to decrease body fat and increase lean muscle, which is very beneficial, since obesity is associated with high blood pressure. Last Updated: 9/16/2002
The Johns Hopkins University 1996-2003. All rights reserved. This information is not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consultation.
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