09 Mar Managing or Reducing Your Risk for High Blood Pressure through Physical Activity
by Venus Ramos, M.D.
Blood travels from the heart to the rest of the body through blood vessels called arteries. Blood flows quite easily through normally smooth and flexible arteries. Blood pressure refers to the pressure put on the artery walls as blood moves through these blood vessels. It is important to control your blood pressure because when it remains high (a condition called hypertension) you are at increased risk for stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day can help prevent the development of hypertension. If you currently have high blood pressure, it can help your medication work more effectively. It does not have to be especially vigorous activity. Low impact exercise like tai chi can be beneficial. Other moderate exercise activities include walking (3 to 4 miles per hour), mowing the lawn (pushing a power mower), golf (walking the course), gardening, and home repair (such as painting). To accommodate a busy schedule, you do not have to do all 30 minutes at once. For example, try 10 minutes of home cleaning in the morning. Then rake some leaves for 10 minutes in the afternoon. Finally, take a 10 minute walk after dinner.
Stay Fit! Be Happy!
-Dr. Venus
Originally published at: www.MDWorkout.com
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