Although many people look at exercise as simply a means of losing weight and looking fit, regular physical activity also greatly benefits the internal body. With time, regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves the overall function of the circulatory system. As a result, many people find that exercise has a short-term and long-term effect on blood pressure and pulse.
Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading measures the amount of pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts and relaxes. It is measured in two numbers and recorded as a ratio. The systolic blood pressure measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts; this is the top number in the ratio. The diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart relaxes and fills with blood; this is the bottom number in the ration. Ideally, blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. However, the American Heart Association does not consider blood pressure to be "high" until the systolic number exceeds 140 or the diastolic number exceeds 90.
Pulse Rate
Your pulse rate counts the number of times the heart beats per minute. For example, a pulse of 75 indicates that the heart beats 75 times per minutes. The pulse can be measured by placing your index and middle fingers near one of your pulse points and counting the number of beats you feel in 60 seconds. Pulse points can be found on either side of the neck or on the palm side of the wrist under the base of the thumb. According to the Cleveland Clinic, children should have a resting heart rate of 70 to 100 beats per minute and adults should have a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Immediate Effects of Exercise
While exercising, the body's need for blood and oxygen significantly increases. To meet the growing demands of the body, the heart must pump faster. Since the pulse is a direct measure of heartbeats per minute, the pulse rate naturally increases during exercise. As the heart beats faster, it also pumps blood through the arteries faster. As the rate of blood flow inside the arteries increases, the internal pressure also increases. As a result, the blood pressure also rises during exercise.
Long-Term Effects
Regular physical activity not only makes the heart stronger, but also more efficient. As the heart becomes more efficient, it becomes more able to pump greater amounts of blood with less effort. As a result, the heart does not need to beat as quickly to deliver blood to the body. Since the heart is pumping slower, it is also placing less stress and pressure on the arteries. After several weeks or months of regular exercise, most people should notice a decrease in resting pulse and blood pressure. For this reason, medical professionals commonly recommend regular exercise as a drug-free approach to treating high blood pressure.
Considerations
Although regular exercise has a long-term effect on blood pressure and pulse, these beneficial effects require a continued exercise program. In fact, MayoClinic.com explains that "the benefits last only as long as you continue to exercise." Before initiating any type of regular exercise routine, consult your doctor to ensure your utmost health and safety.
