The risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure, rises with age and can contribute to heart attack, kidney disease and stroke. Exercise can make a big difference in lowering blood pressure levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. One main test is used for monitoring blood pressure; many other tests also monitor health with hypertension but are not significantly affected by typical exercise.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic test for hypertension is the blood pressure test, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Although it can now be evaluated with electronic devices, blood pressure is traditionally and most accurately measured with a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff, reading the pressure in millimeters of mercury, or mm/Hg, according to LabTestsOnline.org.
Additional Tests
Other tests run by your doctor may determine whether you have underlying conditions possibly causing the hypertension and to determine potential effects of the hypertension, reports LabTestsOnline.org. These tests include urinalysis, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium, calcium, fasting blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone, T4 and lipid profile. These are unlikely to change significantly due solely to exercise.
Exercise Effects
A blood pressure level of 120/80 mm/Hg or less is considered desirable, according to MayoClinic.com. It takes one to three months for exercise to have an effect on blood pressure, and benefits last only as long as you exercise. Weight training can cause a temporary increase. Aerobic activity is required to control and lower blood pressure and can include any activity that increases heart rate and breathing, from household chores to jogging.
Recommendations
To start exercising and help treat hypertension or lower your risk, start slowly and work physical activity into your daily routine, recommends the Mayo Clinic. The American Heart Association recommends 2 1/2 hours of aerobic activity per week, 30 minutes a day at least five days a week, in sessions of at least 10-minute duration. Include flexibility and stretching, plus strengthening at least two days a week.
