Exercising at a Certain Age Protects Against High Blood Pressure

When it comes to exercising for heart health, reaching peak physical performance too early in life may not be the best approach.

According to research published by Science Alert, if you want to protect yourself from high blood pressure as you age, it is crucial to maintain regular exercise well into middle age.
However, social factors can make this more challenging for some individuals than others, according to a study conducted on more than 5,000 people.

Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, an epidemiologist at the University of California and the study’s lead author, explains: “Teenagers and young adults in their early twenties tend to be physically active, but these patterns change as they grow older.”

Numerous studies have shown that exercise lowers blood pressure. However, research suggests that “maintaining physical activity from a young age – at levels higher than previously recommended – may be particularly important” for preventing hypertension, according to Bibbins-Domingo.

High blood pressure is a serious condition affecting billions of people worldwide. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and is also a risk factor for developing dementia later in life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in four men and about one in five women suffer from high blood pressure. Yet, most affected individuals are unaware of their condition, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Nevertheless, there are ways to reverse high blood pressure, and regular exercise plays a key role in this effort.