Their review, published in 1994, shows that people with high blood pressure managed to reduce their blood pressure by about 6 to 10 mmHg through physical activity. This is similar to reductions achieved via drug therapy. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, which scientists shorten to mmHg. The two components of blood pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, are considered normal when they are under 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg, respectively. Systolic blood pressure is always higher, since it is the pressure created during the pumping of the blood by the heart.
Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure between pumpings and is therefore lower.
When the systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg, people have a much higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Participate in aerobic exercise . In the studies reviewed by Fagard and Tipton, aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, and bicycling was responsible for the reductions in blood pressure. Weight lifting on a regular basis did not appear to alter blood pressure. However, moderation in the weights being lifted is strongly encouraged.