Springfield, Missouri – Regular exercise has been proven to have a multitude of benefits for overall health, including lowering cholesterol levels, improving mental health, and managing chronic health conditions. However, one of the most significant advantages of regular physical activity is its positive impact on heart health and its ability to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to Natalie Allen, a clinical associate professor at Missouri State University, regular exercise strengthens the heart, leading to improved blood pressure. She emphasizes that one common form of exercise, walking, may be one of the best tools for reducing blood pressure.
But how exactly does exercise lower blood pressure? While blood pressure increases during exercise to supply muscles with additional oxygen and blood flow, the benefits of prolonged exercise can be experienced once the heart rate returns to normal following the workout session. Additionally, exercise enables the body to release nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to open wider, reducing force on the arteries and promoting better blood flow.
Research shows that regular cardio exercise can effectively lower blood pressure by 5-8mm Hg. This decrease makes a significant difference, potentially preventing one from developing hypertension, which can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to note that exercise doesn’t have to be intense to lower blood pressure. Walking just 3,000 steps a day has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure. In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet can also play a major role in preventing hypertension. The DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low in sodium, has been found to be critical in managing hypertension.
In conclusion, it is clear that exercise, particularly walking, can have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure and promoting overall heart health. Coupled with a healthy diet, these lifestyle choices can contribute to the prevention of hypertension and the potential development of serious health conditions.