Lower is generally better when it comes to your blood pressure reading. Athletes and people who engage in regular exercise typically have lower blood pressure than more sedentary types. Nevertheless blood pressure levels can rise and fall among the fittest.
Effects
Blood pressure measures the pressure in your arteries during the pumping and resting phases of each heartbeat. The top number represents the degree of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood through your arteries, while the bottom number indicates the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats.
Normal blood pressure is equal to or lower than 120/80 based on current guidelines, although many health experts say 115/75 is ideal, MayoClinic.com notes. Athletes tend to have lower blood pressure because frequent physical activity makes the heart stronger, and a robust heart can more effortlessly pump blood. A lightened workload reduces the force on the arteries, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
Significance
Athletes involved in endurance activities such as marathons or triathlons can lower blood pressure and prevent the onset of high blood pressure or hypertension. Athletes and people who get regular exercise can lower the top number or systolic number in a blood pressure measurement by 5 to 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), according to MayoClinic.com. Lower blood pressure readings occur whether the activity is an isolated event or part of a ongoing training program and continues for nearly 24 hours after the activity ends, reports the American College of Sports Medicine.
Considerations
While many athletes enjoy lower than average blood pressure while at rest, levels sometimes rise during exercise. Blood pressure can go up significantly during static exercises like weightlifting. Readings may shoot as high as 300/150 mm Hg in title-holding barbell lifters, notes the Life Clinic website. Dynamic or aerobic exercises like running, swimming and bicycling can also cause a temporary spike in blood pressure.
Outlook
Lower blood pressure in athletes probably didn't occur overnight. It can take one to three months of regular exercise before blood pressure readings may begin to fall, MayoClinic.com states. People with high blood pressure can help return their levels to normal by becoming more physically active. An ongoing workout program is needed to maintain the blood-pressure-lowering effects of exercise. The benefit will disappear if you stop.
