In general, exercise can increase blood pressure, but the effects are temporary. The blood pressure returns to normal after you finish your exercise. Also, it is proven that quickly your blood pressure returns to normal, the healthier you are. According to the scientific base, the normal blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. When you perform an exercise, the systolic pressure (120 mm Hg) increases. Systolic pressure is the measure of pressure inside the blood vessels when it helps to beat the heart. Diastolic pressure (80 mm Hg) is the measure of the blood pressure inside the blood vessels in between the heartbeats. This pressure generally remains the same when you exercise. And if it changes, it becomes the consult of a doctor. If you or anyone you know is going through aggressive changes in blood pressure, you can consult the experts of Charak Hospital.
- It is slightly confusing even for doctors to say which blood pressure reading helps to have a healthy life after exercise or is considered healthy.
- Blood pressure varies from person to person and similar are the chances of lower blood pressure or high blood pressure.
- Normal blood pressure can be the sign of various health symptoms for a person (that may increase or decrease after you have your meal or do exercise) while a slight increase in the blood pressure even by one percent is hazardous for another.
How do exercises affect blood pressure?
- Aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, and running, most often put pressure on the cardiovascular system. The muscles require more oxygen when you are at rest. This is the reason people at rest breathe more quickly or even at a faster rate.
- There is a scientific reason behind this. When you are at rest, the heart pumps harder and faster helping in the circulation of blood. This ultimately helps to deliver oxygen to muscles. It causes systolic blood pressure to rise.
- Also, it is completely normal if your systolic blood pressure rises between 160 to 220 mm Hg during or after exercise. You can try to stop exercising if your systolic blood pressure rises above the level of 220 mm Hg. This is because, beyond this much range, it can increase the risk of heart diseases.
- In actuality, different factors contribute to cardiovascular disturbances even after you perform the exercise. The factors can be related to diet, medical conditions, and medications you are consuming.
- Exercise can increase blood pressure, but it is the systolic pressure that rises and later becomes normal after you rest for some time. After exercise, this blood pressure can cause an increase in hypertension that is generally brought after having physical activities. People with an increase in the level of hypertension experience systolic blood pressure up to 250 mm Hg during exercise.
- Also, the blood pressure returns to normal after several hours of rest after having an exercise session. Even then, if you notice any spike in blood pressure and it does not return to normal, it can be a matter of medical condition. Similarly, it is completely normal if you have a slight decrease in blood pressure after exercise.
Can you perform routine exercise even after having blood pressure symptoms?
It is completely safe to exercise even if you are at risk of blood pressure (prehypertension) or with high blood pressure (hypertension). Regular exercise can help you manage your blood pressure symptoms. If you are at risk of hypertension, try to discuss the matter with your doctor. Speak to your doctor and get involved in the discussion like:
- Which medication can help you lower the risk of hypertension that may stuck all of sudden
- Do not try to go for heavy exercises. Start with low moderate running and slowly or gradually develop moderate exercises only.
- Try to have a routine of exercise. This will keep you fit and flexible even if you have medical conditions.
Can exercise impact you even if you have lower blood pressure?
- If you are doing routine exercise, then it may not impact your body. But, in case you are following the workouts only because you are impacted by different health issues, try to consult your doctor. Exercises especially involving sudden posture change can trigger medical conditions like dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea.
- It doesn’t mean that you should avoid exercise if you have lower blood pressure. Exercise is beneficial in both cases, whether hypertension or hypotension. It helps to improve blood pressure.
- If you have blood pressure, try to adopt a lifestyle that may include moderate exercise/activities. It may not include a sudden change in posture or quickly adopting the upright position.
What are the complications that may arise because of blood pressure?
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Blood pressure spikes
Exercise can increase blood pressure; it can increase or lower the risk of blood pressure including:
- Can increase the risk if you are at hypertension
- having an exercise that especially elevates the blood pressure
If you have blood pressure issues, and if you exercise and it causes a quick increase in blood pressure range, immediately seek medical assistance. You should not ignore these signs, it can put you at risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Blood pressure drops
The blood pressure may increase or decrease while exercising. But, if you have an immediate drop in blood pressure, it can make you at risk for developing other symptoms of heart disease. While most people experience a slight change in blood pressure, either increase or decrease, science reveals that hypertension causes a significant change in blood pressure.
When is the right time to seek help from a doctor?
Try to look for medical help, if you feel these changes in your body:
- Your blood pressure increases all of sudden and it is causing some bodily changes like sweating even after several hours of exercise
- If your blood pressure doesn’t change at all and still you feel uncomfortable
- Your systolic blood pressure surpasses 200 mm Hg during or after exercise
- Your diastolic blood pressure changes significantly after you have your routine of exercise
- If your blood pressure surpasses the reading of 180/120 mm Hg during or after exercise
The medical conditions that you can feel can’t be told by any other person. If you feel a significant change in your blood pressure level, immediately seek medical help. It can be a sign of an emergency.
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