Blood pressure is an issue we all worry about especially as we age. And not only is it more concerning, it can impact your daily life if not controlled.
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is called diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Usually the systolic comes before or above the diastolic number. 120/80 is an optimal reading.
So what can be done to control high blood pressure? Besides medications, exercise has been shown to help manage blood pressure and more. Exercise, eating a healthy diet to manage weight, and keeping stressors in your life at a low will all help in managing your blood pressure.
Some with high blood pressure are nervous with exercising because it does raise your blood pressure slightly right after a workout. But long term will help in many ways.
Starting slow if you are new to exercise is always the best way to do it. Maybe start walking, or pool exercises. Trying to get the heart rate up slightly will strengthen the heart and lungs. Try to do at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But remember you can break the 30 minutes up throughout the day to make it best for you. Find something you enjoy so you look forward to doing your workout. Try a variety of activities, including resistance training, stretching, balance work along with your cardiovascular work.
The goal is to get the heart rate up, and strengthen yourself overall. Exercise will not only benefit the physical, it helps lessen stress and regulate your body weight. Remember they all go together, hand in hand. And your blood pressure numbers will go in the right direction, they will lower over time with your consistency and hard work. Benefits will be throughout your life. Have fun and be safe!
Stay happy, healthy, & positive always!
Meredith