High Blood Pressure During Exercise

High blood pressure or hypertension is a treatable condition that can nevertheless lead to serious medical problems. Anxiety and stress are major contributors to high blood pressure. Exercise is a stress reducer, but high blood pressure during exercise can lead to high blood pressure overall.

High Blood Pressure

People who experience high blood pressure when exercising are likely to get it later on. Blood pressure is calculated by the pressure of heart against the vessels of the blood.

Normal Exercise Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is around 120 over 80 and will increase when exercising. During intense exercise it may rise to as much as 200 over 80 when running or 300 over 200 if lifting heavy weights. Your risk for getting hypertension as a condition is increased if your blood pressure rises above these numbers during exercise.

Risk

Hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease, kidney damage and stroke. It can even cause sudden death.

Diet

A change in diet can be beneficial if your blood pressure increases with exercise. Eliminate saturated fats and refined carbs as much as possible. Do not smoke.

Exercise Guidelines

Consistent exercise is recommended as a way to treat high blood pressure, but keep it moderate. Thirty minutes of daily physical activity will reduce blood pressure. Appropriate activities include cycling, swimming and walking.

References

• Anxiety Disorders and High Blood Pressure
• High Blood Pressure During Exercise

Resources

• Hypertension Exercise Guidelines