Aerobic exercise is good for your overall health, but can running lower your blood pressure? Find out how it can help those with hypertension.
Aerobic activities like running can provide physical and mental health, making a big impact on your heart health. However, high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can negatively affect your health in several ways.
“Having lower blood pressure is so important as it can reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes,” says Giulia Guerrini, lead pharmacist for digital pharmacy Medino. “Lower blood pressure will also reduce your risk of hypertension, a condition in which blood is forced, over a long period of time, against the artery walls, causing long-term health problems such as heart disease.”
Looking to improve your blood pressure? Continue reading to find out how running may help you achieve your health goals.
Running and Blood Pressure
“Any type of cardiovascular exercise, such as running, walking, cycling, swimming or even skipping, will help to reduce your blood pressure by increasing the levels of oxygen in your blood and reducing blood vessel stiffness, allowing blood to easily flow through the body,” says Guerrini.
In fact, a 2020 study by the American College of Cardiology suggests that first-time marathon runners made their arteries “younger” and reduced their blood pressure levels. Still, if you really want to reap the rewards, you’ll have to exercise regularly.
“To keep your blood pressure healthy, you need to keep exercising on a regular basis,” explains Guerrini. “It takes about one to three months for regular exercise to have an impact on your blood pressure, and the benefits last only as long as you continue to exercise.”
Exercising to Lower Blood Pressure
“If you’re exercising to lower your blood pressure, the first thing you should do is speak to your doctor to find out what your blood pressure currently is and what levels of exercise would be effective and safe for you,” says Guerrini.
If your blood pressure is in the normal range, you should be fine with taking part in moderate exercise. However, if your levels are too low or too high, talk to your doctor to figure out what exercise regimen will work best for your health.
The Outlook
Running can improve your blood pressure levels by making your heart stronger and improving your circulation. However, if you’re not used to it, then you can try other aerobic activities like walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or playing sports.
In addition to exercise, you can give your health an extra boost by taking supplements like L-arginine Plus. Its ingredients are effective at promoting circulation, blood pressure health, cholesterol health, and more. Give your blood pressure the support it needs by exercising regularly and taking L-arginine Plus.