Increasing Your Physical Activity
Regular exercise has been shown to lower
blood pressure. Many people think this means having to do a lot of strenuous exercise every day, but this is a myth. A moderate exercise program will help keep your heart and blood vessels in shape and promotes a lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association even classifies walking at a brisk pace for 30 to 60 minutes, three days a week, as "regular physical activity." Also, you don't have to fit all your physical activity into one exercise session. You can break it up into ten-minute sessions or whatever works best for you. Your healthcare provider can help you come up with a good exercise plan as part of your
high blood pressure treatment.
Losing Weight
If you want to know how to lower blood pressure, losing weight is a great first step. Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your heart. Also, as people gain weight, their blood pressure tends to rise. Losing weight can make high blood pressure drop back down. Your healthcare provider can help you create a diet and exercise program that's right for you and your weight loss goals. To lose weight and lower blood pressure, a low-fat, low-
cholesterol, and low-salt diet is usually recommended, along with an exercise program.