Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Exercise raises blood pressure because pressure is
determined by the force of your heart contracting times the
resistance of the blood vessels against the flow of blood. When
you exercise, your heart muscles contract with much greater
pressure to increase blood flow to your exercising muscles.
However, studies have shown that lifting heavy weights does not
cause sustained high blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure is under 120 when your heart
contracts and under 80 when it relaxes. When you lift a heavy
weight, such as when performing a leg press, your blood
pressure can rise from 120 over 80 to 400 over 200. When you
run, your blood pressure can rise to around 200 over 80.
However, within minutes after you finish exercising, your blood
pressure returns to normal. Regular exercisers have lower blood
pressures than people who do not exercise. However, if you
have a weak heart or high blood pressure, check with your doctor
before starting a weight-lifting program.
Ninety percent of Americans will eventually develop high blood pressure, which increases risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage and sudden death. High blood pressure usually occurs in people who have normal blood pressures when they were young. If your blood pressure rises during ordinary exercise, or stays elevated after you finish exercising, you should go on a heart attack prevention program. Follow a diet low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, exercise regularly, lose weight if you are overweight, do not smoke, and avoid stimulants and drugs that raise blood pressure. More
Checked 2/10/08