- Higher than normal blood pressure, even blood pressure that is only mildly elevated, can pose a health risk.
- If doctors can detect elevated blood pressure early, people can take steps to minimize their risk of developing more serious high blood pressure.
- A recent study found that regular tai chi may be more effective at lowering elevated blood pressure than regular aerobic exercise.
Exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle. It can aid in the management and prevention of high blood pressure. Research is ongoing about the most effective exercise options to manage specific conditions.
A new study published in
After twelve months of four one-hour tai chi or aerobic exercise sessions a week, the tai chi group experienced a more significant reduction in blood pressure readings.
The results point to the potential benefits of tai chi to improve cardiovascular health.
Blood pressure is a good indicator of cardiovascular health. When it
A typically normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. An elevated reading is between 120-129 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. High blood pressure stage one is between 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic. Then, high blood pressure stage 2 is 140 mmHg or higher systolic or 90 mmHg or higher diastolic.
A term that is not as typical anymore is prehypertension, which has to do with blood pressure that is higher than normal but not quite high enough to be considered high blood pressure stage two.
Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, board certified consultant cardiologist…
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