Can I Exercise With High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension?
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. This diagnosis will be given to you by your doctor after tracking your blood pressure for a period.
There are various ways of controlling this diagnosis including diet, medication, and exercise. It is always a good idea to get clearance from the doctor who is controlling your blood pressure medication before initiating an exercise regime.
If you are already exercising when you receive a diagnosis of hypertension, your doctor may have recommendations for any modifications in your exercise program until your blood pressure is controlled for some time.
How Can Exercising Lower Or Control My Blood Pressure?
Your heart is a muscle. Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger, just like other muscles such as your biceps or hamstrings.
If you are exercising your heart muscle stronger, it will not have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body.
The reduced stress on your heart, also reduces stress on your arteries which can ultimately reduce your blood pressure. Just remember, it takes consistent exercise on a regular basis to strengthen any muscle in your body, including your heart.
How Do I Know How To Start An Exercise Program When Exercising With High Blood Pressure?
After receiving clearance from your doctor to begin an exercise regime, you may begin your transition into a healthier lifestyle through physical activity.
If something more monitored is appropriate, cardiac rehab may be recommended for you. This would allow your heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and your heart rhythm through an EKG to be constantly monitored while you exercise 2-3 times a week.
If you do not need that level of supervision, physical therapy is an excellent place to start. Your therapist can still monitor your heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure to ensure your safety when exercising.
Your therapist will guide you on where to start and how and when to appropriately progress your exercise program. They will give you tools to be successful long term and continue exercising at home, while teaching you how to reduce the risk of injuring yourself.
Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy
