If you have noticed consistently high blood pressure throughout the day, or your GP has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, there are many treatment options available. One of the most easily accessible treatment options is exercise. A change in your exercise and activity habits is a highly effective way to see a positive change in your blood pressure without the use of medication. 

How can exercise help?
With regular and consistent exercise we can see long-term reductions in our blood pressure readings. We can also see additional benefits such as reduced weight, reduced cholesterol levels, reduced stress, increased strength of the heart and a reduction in the risk of other cardiovascular disease's and stroke.

Interestingly, an immediate positive effect can also be seen on our blood pressure with as little as 10-15 minutes of moderate-vigorous exercise, followed by 10 minutes of passive rest. This response is called a post exercise hypotension and can be seen in those who present with high blood pressure before doing any exercise. This reduction in blood pressure can be seen to last for up to 12 hours after exercise. 

That's right, only 15 minutes of exercise can immediately reduce your blood pressure for up to 12hours!
 

Regular exercise is a simple and effective way to manage high blood pressure and improve overall health. So, make physical activity a part of your daily routine and enjoy the numerous benefits it offers!

Want a personalised exercise program tailored to your health needs?
See an Exercise Physiologist at Simply Stronger and we'll show you how to lower your blood pressure with an exercise plan designed for you.

​What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure reflects the pressure within our heart and blood vessels (known as the circulatory system). The numbers show the pressure that is placed on our arteries to pump blood around our body. This number allows us to understand how hard our heart and blood vessels are needing to work. 

Why should we care if our blood pressure if high?
Our blood pressure constantly changes throughout the day, we have periods where it increases, and other times where it decreases. This can be due to a range of different things including activity, diet and stress. This is normal. We should however, be mindful if our blood pressure stays consistently high throughout the day, this is a sign that our circulatory system is under stress and working too hard. This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

It's never too late to take action against high blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. With just a few lifestyle changes we can see a positive change in our blood pressure. If you want more information on what you can do to improve your blood pressure, book an appointment today. ​

​Keep a look out  for more information regarding blood pressure and how exercise can impact it this month as we continue to discuss heart health. ​