Lifting weights can cause a temporary, but dramatic, rise in blood pressure. Research has recorded systolic readings climbing well above 300 mm Hg during heavy lifting, even in people whose blood pressure is typically a healthy 120/80 or lower.
Long term high blood pressure is linked to arterial endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium is the inner lining of your artery walls. Endothelial dysfunction can result in the hardening of artery walls. Researchers have been monitoring the effects of short duration rises in blood pressure, such as what occurs during strength training, to determine the effect on endothelial function. It has been determined that acute rises in blood pressure impair endothelial function in untrained individuals, and that regular resistance training helps protect against vascular dysfunction.
Continue readingThe long running Health Professional Follow-Up Study has released new findings. The study found men who eat a high level of whole grains to be 19% less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to those eating the lowest levels of whole grains. The individuals with lower risks of developing high blood pressure consumed 52 grams of whole grains daily versus only 3 grams in the lower whole grain group.
Continue readingYou’d think the stress of raising children would cause blood pressure to boil; however, a study has actually found a link between parenthood and lower blood pressure, particularly in women. The Brigham Young Study monitored 198 adults for 24 hours. Seventy percent of participants had children, participants were married and in overall good health.
Continue readingFlavonoids, a type of antioxidant, can be very beneficial to heart health. Some flavonoids prevent atherosclerosis and promote the relaxation of arterial muscles, which allows arteries to dilate (widen) and blood flow to be easier. Other flavonoids reduce LDL oxidation and prevent platelets from sticking together. One study evaluated the affect of a plant rich in flavonoids on 120 men and women diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The study found significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure over a 6 month period linked to the plant flavonoids. Study participants also had reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol. More studies are needed, but a there is a definite link between flavonoids and reduced blood pressure.
Continue readingI have shared in the past how the DASH Diet is one of the best tools you can use to lower and control high blood pressure. A new study found that the DASH Diet not only promotes improved blood pressure levels it also fights kidney stones.
Continue readingIf you have high blood pressure, don’t panic! There are some really easy ways to lower it and most of them involve modifications to your current lifestyle. So before you feel as though all hope is lost, try out one of these methods first.
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