Over Exercising with High Blood Pressure

One of the most effective ways of treating hypertension, or high blood pressure, is through regular cardiovascular exercise. Your heart is a muscle that requires regular exercise to make it stronger and make pumping blood throughout your body easier. The less energy it takes for your heart to pump blood, the less strain there is on your arteries, and the lower your blood pressure.
With regular exercise, you can expect to have lowered your blood pressure after one to three months, but the benefits only last as long as you keep exercising. But be careful. When starting an exercise routine, it’s important to start slow and build up your strength and stamina slowly. Excessive exercise can actually increase your blood pressure, chance of stroke, or increase your risk of developing other circulation problems.
These risks are particularly dangerous if you are already suffering from hypertension. They can lead to further cardiac complications including heart failure. If you have high blood pressure, always consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

How to begin a safe exercise program to treat high blood pressure:

1. Start with at least a 10 minute warm-up. This tells your body that you are going to begin exercising and allows your heart rate to rise more gradually.

2. Begin with light exercise lasting 15 minutes or less. Don’t forget that regular physical activity around the house such as mowing the lawn or walking up and down the stairs is considered aerobic activity.

3. Make sure to breathe regularly during any aerobic exercise. You should be able to keep up a normal conversation. If not, you are working to hard and at risk of over-exercising.

4. Cool down. Any sudden stop in physical activity can cause your blood pressure to drop sharply.

Always stop exercising and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

* Chest pain or tightness
* Dizziness or faintness
* Pain in an arm or your jaw
* Severe shortness of breath
* An irregular heartbeat
* Excessive fatigue

Your doctor may suggest that you take it easy for a few days and perhaps that you begin taking a med to treat high blood pressure. She may suggest that you buy Cardizem or Benicar to help treat your symptoms of hypertension.