Exercises That Help in Managing Hypertension

Hypertension can be a silent killer if it goes undetected. It may damage many of the organs slowly. This is why your doctor would prescribe blood pressure lowering medication as soon as the hypertension is detected.

However, medications are not the only way to lower blood pressure. There are other ways too, and exercise is one of the most promising one. In fact, exercise can not only control blood pressure, but also lower it to some extent. This does not mean that one needs to run a marathon every day or hit the gym every morning. There are some exercises which one can do at home daily to keep the blood pressure from rising.

1. Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercises are by far the most effective way to control blood pressure. They help the heart to pump blood easily. Since hypertension results from enhanced effort of the heart to pump blood, an active pumping activity can lower the pressure to some extent. Aerobic activities help to pump more blood and therefore reduce the effort of the heart to pump blood. This can automatically bring down pressure.

2. Weight Lifting

Weightlifting too can help the heart to pump more blood and therefore reduce its effort. This itself can bring down blood pressure. Household activities like climbing stairs, mowing the lawn, scrubbing the floor can also work the same way for controlling blood pressure.

3. Stretching

Stretching is a good exercise for people with high blood pressure. However, it is not directly related to lowering blood pressure. It enhances the flexibility and helps to avoid injuries during household chores or exercises.

4. Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise for everybody. But for people with hypertension it is even more so. In fact, a study has proved that swimming has the ability to lower blood pressure.

5. Cycling

Cycling is also good for hypertension since it helps the heart to pump more blood. In fact, in a study published in the British Medical Journal called "Current Opinion," it has been brought out that cycling can bring about an 11% reduction in cardiovascular problems. It is a fact that most cardiovascular problems are linked to the heart pumping more blood to compensate for any loss. Since cycling can help the heart pump more blood naturally, it need not work harder. Therefore, it may be able to lower blood pressure.

These exercises may help patients suffering from hypertension. However, it is beneficial to consult a doctor as he/she may advise the best exercises depending upon the severity of your situation.