Five more minutes of exercise associated with lower blood pressure: study

Physical activity has long been associated with improved blood pressure levels, and a new study suggests that even just five more minutes of exercise a day can make a difference. The study, published in the journal Circulation, analyzed data from nearly 15,000 people who wore activity monitors and had their blood pressure tracked.

Lead study author Dr. Jo Blodgett emphasized the importance of incorporating higher-intensity physical activities like brisk walking or cycling into daily routines. The researchers found that as little as five more minutes of exercise a day was associated with lower blood pressure, and 10 to 20 minutes more could lead to a clinically meaningful change in blood pressure.

Reducing blood pressure levels can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to Dr. Susan Cheng, a professor of cardiology. The study revealed that the average adult spends about 11 hours a day being sedentary, highlighting the need for more physical activity in daily life.

While the study was observational and couldn’t prove causation, the results are compelling enough for healthcare providers to recommend increasing daily exercise to improve cardiovascular health. It was noted that replacing sedentary time with non-exercise behaviors like sleep or slow walking did not have the same impact on blood pressure as higher-intensity activities.

Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiac electrophysiologist, suggested aiming for higher intensity activities that make you breathless and unable to speak in full sentences. The study also found that the biggest impact on blood pressure was seen in those with the lowest levels of activity, indicating that even small increases in exercise can lead to significant benefits.

In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of incorporating more physical activity into daily routines to improve blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health. Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, or other forms of exercise, even just a few extra minutes a day can make a meaningful difference in maintaining a healthy heart.