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High blood pressure or hypertension is a long-term medical condition and every year almost 10 million people are diagnosed with it in India. Long term and uncontrolled high blood pressure may damage and narrow your arteries, rupture them, limit the flow of the blood, which can even lead to other cardiovascular-related issues like stork and heart attack. Regular medication is the best way to control your blood pressure level, but exercising is an excellent alternative to keep a tab on it. Different studies suggest that exercising can not only lower your blood pressure level naturally, but it can energize you and help to manage your stress level. But most of the time people are confused about whether it is alright to exercise when suffering from hypertension or not?
The reality
No, exercising regularly when suffering from hypertension is not at all bad for you. In fact, cardiovascular or aerobic exercise can help lower your blood pressure level and make your heart stronger.
As per Dr. Sunil Wani, Consultant, cardiology from Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, "Exercising is a non-pharmaceutical method of bringing down the blood pressure. Young people suffering from the problem of hypertension are often advised to stay active."
Dr. Romil Tikku, Associate Director, Internal medicine, Max Hospital, Delhi also supported Dr. Wani's statement and added that if a person's blood pressure is under control then regular exercising can help to bring it down further. Apart from this, it will help to manage cholesterol levels and other health-related issues.
However, Dr. Tikku added that if a person's blood is high on a particular day then they should refrain from performing any intense physical activity on that day.
"Performing intense workout when your blood pressure is too high can cause trouble like bleeding from nose, breathlessness and in extreme cases, it can even lead to any cardiac event," he said.
He added that high blood pressure in itself is not an issue, but if it is accompanied by cardiac disease then it can be a matter of concern and a person should not do anything new without consulting their doctor.
When you are hypertensive, then you need to be a little careful. It is alright to breathe a little faster and sweat during your workout session, but in case there is shortness of breath or you feel pain in your chest, feel dizzy, lightheaded, then immediately stop exercising.
How exercise can lower your blood pressure
Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger. A stronger heart will be able to pump more blood with less effort, which will eventually lower your blood pressure.
Staying active can also help to maintain a healthy weight, which is another way to control hypertension.
Types of exercises you can do
We all know that an intense workout session can shoot your heartbeat that will, in turn, increase your blood pressure level. So, do not go overboard with any form of exercise. If you are lifting weights or running on a treadmill, always do it in moderation. The main idea is to remain active.
As per Dr. Wani, walking, sprinting and running are good for reducing hypertension. But you should be a little careful when performing strength training exercises in the gym.
"Weight lifting may be slightly harmful for those suffering from hypertension. People should be a little careful while doing weight training. Otherwise, there is no such restriction if you have controlled blood pressure. If a person has continuous high blood pressure, then they should control it before starting their workout session."
The bottom line
If you have just started exercising then it is always good to consult your doctor first. Secondly, do not overburden yourself. Start slow and gradually increases your intensity. Before starting any exercise warm-up for a good 10 minutes. Also, in the end, cool down properly. Doing this is specifically important for someone suffering from high blood pressure.