{"id":17889,"date":"2021-01-11T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2021-01-11T14:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=17889"},"modified":"2022-01-10T11:50:33","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T16:50:33","slug":"high-blood-pressure-and-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/high-blood-pressure-and-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"How to safely exercise with high blood pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exercise is important for our overall health. By last December, you were probably ready to say good riddance to 2021, and you may have set some health and exercise goals for 2022. But what if you have high blood pressure? Do high blood pressure and exercise mix safely? Are some exercises better than others, and does blood pressure medication interfere with exercise?<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it safe to exercise with high blood pressure?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Physical activity plays an important role in preventing and managing high blood pressure. Research from the<\/span> American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> found that people who worked out for four (or more!) hours a week were 19% less likely to have high blood pressure than people who were less active. But, there are some special considerations if you already have elevated numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise-induced hypertension<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cExercise hypertension occurs when blood pressure rises abnormally during exercise,\u201d according to <\/span>Anne Doroba, MD<\/span><\/a>, a physiatrist in Orland Park, Illinois. A normal blood pressure for an adult is less than 120 systolic (upper number) and less than 80 diastolic (lower number).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise naturally causes a rise in blood pressure, but Dr. Doroba says exercise hypertension occurs when blood pressure reaches over 210 systolic in men, over 190 systolic in women, and over 110 diastolic in both genders. It\u2019s a risk factor for <\/span>permanent, serious high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> even when at rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood pressure medications<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihypertensive medication works well to normalize blood pressure. But, it is important to be aware that certain <\/span>blood pressure medications<\/span><\/a> can interfere with exercise. \u201cMany, if not most, antihypertensives will impact blood pressure response and\/or heart rate,\u201d says Dr. Doroba. \u201c<\/span>Beta blockers<\/span><\/a> will cause a slower heart rate so you likely will not reach target heart rates. <\/span>Diuretics<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a> can result in lower post workout blood pressures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For aerobic exercise, it\u2019s a good idea to start with shorter exercise sessions at an intensity that is challenging but not overwhelming, and gradually build up to being active for 30 minutes a day, a few days a week. If you take a <\/span>beta blocker<\/span><\/a> or any other medication that affects your heart rate, always cool down slowly as some medications can rapidly reduce blood pressure if you abruptly stop exercising.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What\u2019s a normal heart rate?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n

Supplements can also affect blood pressure. Minerals that our body receives from foods or supplements that have been <\/span>shown to be beneficial for blood pressure<\/span><\/a> include calcium, magnesium, and potassium.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few popular supplements, however, may contribute to high blood pressure or be potentially harmful to those on blood pressure medications. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n