Lisa Nelson

Blood Pressure and Weight Lifting – Bad Combination?



Posted: Friday, March 05, 2010

by Lisa Nelson
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight

Lifting weights can cause a temporary, but dramatic blood pressure rise. Systolic blood pressure can increase up to 350-400 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to 150 mm Hg even if your blood pressure is typically a healthy level of 120/80 or less.

Long term high blood pressure is linked to arterial endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction can result in the hardening of artery walls. Researchers have been monitoring the effects of short duration rises in blood pressure, such as what occurs during strength training, to determine the effect on endothelial function. It has been determined that acute rises in blood pressure impairs endothelial function in untrained individuals and regular resistance training helps protect against vascular dysfunction.

At one time, weight lifting was discouraged if you lived with high blood pressure. However, this is no longer the recommendation. Regular physical activity that includes moderate strength training is one of many natural ways to lower blood pressure. A study published in Hypertension monitored participants completing resistance training 2 to 5 times per week and found strength training to help lower resting blood pressure.

Including strength training and aerobic physical activity can be a positive step towards lowering blood pressure; however, you must consult your physician before beginning an exercise and/or strength training program. Strength training is not recommended if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, untreated heart disease, or an irregular heart rate.

Be sure to sign up for the free e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure at http://www.lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com today! Lisa Nelson RD, founder and owner of Heart Health Made Easy and Health Expert for The Health Central Network, is dedicated to guiding clients to heart health through practical diet and lifestyle changes.
Lisa Nelson RD is the founder and owner of Health Practices Online and Heart Health Made Easy.

Health Practices Online provides online business management services for busy health professionals who are overwhelmed by everything involved with establishing an online presence.

Receive regular tips and the free report "7 Steps to Starting an Online Health Practice" at http://www.healthpracticesonline.com.

Heart Health Made Easy provides clients step-by-step guidance to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and weight loss, so they can live life and enjoy their family for years to come. Lisa will make it truly possible for you to see dramatic changes in your health, without crazy fads or impossibly difficult techniques.

Receive regular tips and the free report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits" at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.

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