Lifestyle changes to lower BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor wants to have lab work done and put me on medication to lower it! My blood pressure is 170/80. I weight 249 and am doing everything that I can to lower it by eating right, losing weight, and lowering my salt intake. However it isn’t lowering it as fast as they need it too. What else can I do before I’m on medication?
A: You did not mention exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. You also could discuss trying the RESPeRATE with your doctor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, high blood pressure, hypertension, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATEExercise to reduce blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: What sort of exercise is best for reducing blood pressure, weight lifting or aerobic? I get plenty of aerobic exercise rowing, but I sometimes think it raises my blood pressure.
A: Aerobic exercise is the best type of exercise for lowering blood pressure. However, a good exercise program also includes muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. To learn about how much exercise you should get every week need click here.
Tags: aerobic exercise, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, lowering blood pressure, muscle strengthening, reducing blood pressure, weight liftingHow to lower pulse pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I’m 71 years old and have a high pulse pressure (in the 60s and sometime 70s) which I understand indicates that my arteries are getting stiff. Is there any way to achieve lower pulse pressure?
A: Getting your blood pressure into good control will help lower your “pulse pressure” (the difference between the maximum and minimum blood pressures produced during one heartbeat). In addition, a regular aerobic exercise program will help. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and household chores like sweeping and mopping the floor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, arteries, blood pressure, blood pressures, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, lower pulse pressure, pulse pressureAerobic exercise and its effect on blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 17 2007
Q: Can thyroid medication, some BP medications, or aerobic exercise raise your BP?
A: Typically blood pressure goes up with any form of exercise. With aerobic exercise the body needs more oxygen because large muscles are being used. The heart beats faster and systolic blood pressure increases progressively. Diastolic pressure stays about the same. Adverse reactions to drugs and over medication can result in blood pressure that is elevated or too low.
Tags: aerobic exercise, aerobics, blood pressure medication, Diet & Exercise, medication, thyroid, thyroid diseaseLow blood pressure readings after exercise
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 04 2007
Q: I have noticed that 1 or 2 hours after strenuous aerobic exercise my BP readings are very low (90/65) and sometimes I feel very lethargic. Is this because of the water loss during exercise? Do I need to watch my sodium intake?
A: It is essential to maintain hydration with strenuous exercise. Keep in mind that sweat contains more than just water so you also lose electrolytes like sodium. Sports drinks are designed to help replace these losses.
Tags: aerobic exercise, Diet & Exercise, exercise, high blood pressure, hydration, low blood pressure, sodium intake
