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If you have high blood pressure, maintaining a balanced diet and getting in some physical activity every day can improve your heart health immensely. However, how you should be exercising will depend on a variety of factors. To get you started, below are a few general fitness tips for anyone who suffers from hypertension.

A Guide to Finding the Right Exercise Regimen

1. Determine a Reasonable Routine

It is wise to discuss major lifestyle changes with your doctor before implementing them. Although people with high blood pressure can benefit from adding more physical activity to their routine, doing too much too quickly could end up causing more harm than good. Your provider will help you devise a reasonable exercise regimen that increases in intensity gradually so as not to strain the heart.

2. Prioritize Cardio Exercises

high blood pressureCardio, or aerobic activity, increase the heart rate and are most effective at lowering blood pressure, as they strengthen the organ over time. Popular exercises include jogging, swimming, dancing, and cycling. If you haven’t been active for a while, start with power walking and work your way up to jogging or something more intense.

3. Listen to Your Body

Mild discomfort is normal during a workout, but watch out for severe pain or other troubling symptoms. People with high blood pressure should always listen to their bodies when exercising because they may be at a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular complications from overexertion. For example, it’s common to breathe heavily, but sudden shortness of breath is alarming. Likewise, you should stop and seek medical care if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or serious fatigue.

 

If high blood pressure runs in your family or you are concerned about your health, turn to a doctor at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ. The state-of-the-art practice is comprised of a team of board-certified cardiovascular physicians who provide comprehensive care and treatment for a full range of conditions that affect the heart. For their patients’ convenience, they offer care out of Englewood Hospital Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and Hackensack University Medical Center. Visit their website to learn more about the unparalleled care they provide, or call (201) 845-3535 to make an appointment today. 

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