Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. This is a significant risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. According to Len Kravitz, Ph.D., of the University of New Mexico, high blood pressure kills more than 37,000 people every year. Exercise is a good method for controlling blood pressure in the long run, as long as it is maintained within a certain range, because it can help reduce stress and control weight.
Measurements
Blood pressure measurements include two important figures: the systolic and diastolic pressures. The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. A blood pressure measurement uses the unit of mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. The number is written in such a way that the systolic number is on top and the diastolic number is on bottom.
Categories
Normal blood pressure is considered to be no more than 120/80 mmHg. If you have pre-hypertension, then you will have a systolic number of 120 to 139 or a diastolic number of 80 to 89, meaning that either measurement will qualify you. Beyond pre-hypertension, there are two main stages of high blood pressure. Stage 1 is measured by a systolic number of 140 to 159 or a diastolic number of 90 to 99. Stage 2 is measured by a systolic number of 160 and higher or a diastolic number of 100 and higher.
Significance
During upright exercise, the systolic blood pressure is likely to progressively increase, while the diastolic blood pressure will stay the same or even decrease. A decrease in diastolic pressure is due to expansion in the size of the artery during physical activity. If diastolic blood pressure increases by more than 10 mmHg, it could be a sign of coronary heart disease. On the other hand, a failure of the systolic pressure to rise with increases in intensity -- a phenomenon known as exertional hypotension -- is considered abnormal and may occur in people with cardiovascular problems.
Blood Pressure
According to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, former Associate Clinical Professor in Pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine, 200/80 mmHg is a normal blood pressure while running. If the measurement rises above 200, then you may be at risk for developing high blood pressure. Exercise performed on your back or stomach is different. For example, blood pressure can climb to 300/200 mmHg during a leg press with heavy weights. This is considered normal.
Considerations
If your blood pressure increases drastically during exercise, there are several preventive measures that you can take. These include a diet low in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, weight loss, and abstinence from smoking and stimulants. Long-term moderate and sustained exercise can also help. Before embarking on a specific plan, you should first consult your doctor for advice.
