Study shows that exercise can prevent high blood pressure, how often should you do it?

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that one in four men and approximately one in five women suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. Ironically, most people are unaware of this condition. So can it be prevented by exercising from a young age?

Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can take a person’s life suddenly. Usually, high blood pressure appears with age.

According to experts, one of the most effective preventive measures is to exercise regularly which is good for heart health. But, how often is exercise necessary to keep blood pressure normal and prevent hypertension?

The importance of exercise to prevent hypertension

High blood pressure or high blood pressure is a medical condition that occurs when blood pressure in the arteries is consistently above normal limits. This condition can cause heart attacks, strokes, and increase the risk of dementia later in life.

A study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2021 revealed that maintaining physical activity or exercise is very important to prevent hypertension.

This study shows that long-term exercise can help reduce the risk of hypertension. Research involving more than 5,000 participants in the United States shows that most people who were physically active in their 20s experienced a decline in physical activity as they got older. older.

“Maintaining physical activity during childhood may be particularly important for preventing hypertension,” said Bibbins-Domingo, an epidemiologist from the University of California, as reported by Science Alert.

Agreeing with him, study author and young adult medicine specialist from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Jason Nagata also said, “We need to increase the minimum levels for physical activity.”

How often should you exercise?

In this study, participants who did five hours of physical activity per week in early adulthood showed a significant risk of developing high blood pressure up to age 60.

This level of physical activity is double the minimum recommended by health experts. This research shows that the higher the physical activity, the lower a person’s risk of hypertension.

“Achieving double the minimum adult physical activity guidelines may be more effective in preventing hypertension than just meeting the minimum levels,” said the researchers.

However, researchers also emphasize that consistency and long-term commitment are necessary to achieve these benefits. Because, when he is of age, he is often busy is a challenge.

“This may be especially true after high school when opportunities for physical activity diminish as young people transition to college, the workforce, and parenthood, and free time erodes,” Nagata concluded.

(doing/doing)