Can You Still Exercise When You Have High Blood Pressure?

When you have chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, you might worry about exercising, since physical activity can temporarily increase your numbers. But, regular exercise is actually one of the most effective ways to manage hypertension and reduce your risk for complications. 

The board-certified providers at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, offer expert diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for patients with chronic high blood pressure. This includes personalized recommendations for healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising. 

If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Your health care team helps you develop the best exercise plan for you, taking into account your unique needs and any limitations you may have. 

While you wait for your appointment, take a few moments to learn the facts about exercise and high blood pressure.   

Is it safe to exercise when you have hypertension?

Hypertension, or chronically high blood pressure, increases your risk for serious cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack. And because physical exercise can temporarily raise blood pressure, many people with the condition worry it’s unsafe.

But here’s the fact: Increasing your physical activity is actually one of the most effective ways to manage hypertension. Furthermore, exercise can lower blood pressure over time.

However, before you start a new exercise program, it’s always a good idea to review your needs with a health care provider. At Integrative Primary Care, our providers can help you develop a plan for regular exercise that takes into account any existing health conditions or physical limitations, so you can make regular exercise part of your health care routine. 

Why is exercise important when you have high blood pressure?

Regular exercise lowers chronically high blood pressure over time. This is because regular exercise strengthens your muscles — including your heart — and improves the health of your blood vessels. 

This makes it easier for your blood to circulate throughout your body, and the improved elasticity of your veins and arteries means there’s less resistance to blood flow. As a result, your blood pressure numbers can come down. 

As your blood pressure improves, this can reduce your risk for heart disease. It can also help reduce inflammation in your body and improve your cholesterol levels, which can further lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attack. 

Chronic high blood pressure is often associated with an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, but regular exercise can reduce your chances of getting this serious disease. This is because exercise can improve your sensitivity to insulin, which can reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

There’s also a strong link between high stress and high blood pressure. This is because the release of stress hormones causes your blood vessels to narrow, raising your blood pressure. Regular exercise can reduce stress levels, which can help you keep your hypertension under control. 

What are other ways I can manage my hypertension?

Even though exercise can play an important role in managing hypertension, at Integrative Primary Care, we know exercise alone may not be enough to help you get your numbers under control. 

That’s why our team uses an integrated approach to managing hypertension, which means your personalized high blood pressure treatment plan may include a variety of options, including:

• Weight loss or management
• Medication therapy
• Dietary changes
• Regular exercise
• Other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking

Do you have more questions about exercise and high blood pressure? Get personalized answers by calling 832-500-7585 or booking an appointment online with Integrative Primary Care today.