How does exercise lowers blood pressure?

Published July 5, 2011 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

When you exercise regularly your heart becomes stronger and more efficiently circulate blood. This means the heart doesn’t have to work so hard and it takes less force against your artery walls to circulate oxygenated blood through the body.

Being regularly active can reduce your systolic (top number) blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm Hg. However, don’t expect overnight results. It can take up to 3 months for regular exercise to impact blood pressure levels.

Exercise Precautions

If you are currently sedentary don’t just jump into an exercise routine. Discuss your plans with your doctor. Keep in mind that medications can influence your reaction to exercise. Start at a low level of intensity and duration and gradually increase.
Listen to your body. If you become fatigued or experience heart palpitations, take a break. If you experience pain (particularly chest pain), stop.
Avoid lying down after exercise. Instead sit upright in a chair or walk around.
Avoid extreme temperatures after exercise, such as a very hot or cold shower, sauna, or Jacuzzi. Extreme temperatures can impact arterial dilation and blood pressure.

Be sure to sign up for the free ecourse 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure at http://lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
http://lisanelsonrd.com