How soon would you reduce blood pressure with exercise? How long before you begin to see a change?

Question

If I exercised for at least one hour on a treadmill a day, 7 days a week, how long before I'd notice a drop in blood pressure? Would it begin to take effect in under 6 months or no? I don't know if I'm phrasing this correctly, but I just would basically like to find out how long it would take for my blood pressure to start dropping if I were to adopt a healthier lifestyle and exercise (because I'm fairly sedentary due to my job). Thanks. (I'm looking for expert advice or advice from people who have lowered their blood pressure or know of someone who has. My goal is to lower my blood pressure and by extension my resting heart rate.) :)

I'm not on medication. I used to have okay blood pressure, then through a series of traumatic events, I began eating a lot. I was severely depressed and I gained like 70 lbs. Horrible I know, but I was on medication depressed and I was practically suicidal. I'm better now and I want to work on myself, and be healthy and live a nice long life, but I don't want to be on medication for blood pressure or cholesterol so I want to lose the weight I've amassed. Is it possible or unlikely that if I lose the weight I've gained, and maybe a little more, through diet and exercise (focusing on whole grains/fiber, etc..) that I could return to a healthy blood pressure number? Or is it impossible to lose weight and exercise and eat a healthy diet to lower blood pressure? I would really rather avoid medication if it's at all possible because I feel like if it's through my own sedentary lifestyle and eating habits that I got this way, I would rather fix the problem than put a bandaid on it.

Answer 1

It is good that you want to lower your blood pressure by exercise. Yes, it will lower it by exercise. I have a family history of High Blood Pressure and heart disease. I have to watch my diet and exercise. I don't exercise that much, neither does my dad, but he is also on blood pressure medication, he noticed in a week. I am not on medication, but I also practice deep breathing and I lower mine within that time frame. I don't exercise as much, only when I feel like it. I try. My Blood pressure wasn't that high though. Mine use to be low, but went up because of some cold medication, we finally figured out what caused mine to go way up. Good for you for getting motivated.

Here is some information on a website for you. I know it talks about medication, which I don't think you are on, which is good. It just happens to be on here. Good luck on getting healthier.:http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/howto/htbp.htm

Here's How:
Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing ten pounds can have a dramatic effect on blood pressure.
Exercise daily. At least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise is recommended.
Read nutrition labels, especially on convenience foods. Choose foods low in sodium (salt). Most fast-food restaurants post nutrition information in their stores.
Reduce or limit alcohol intake.
Stop smoking.
Reduce stress in your life as much as is possible.
Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure. If you snore heavily or feel tired even after a full night sleep, ask your doctor for an evaluation.
Follow your doctor's orders and take prescription medications as ordered.

Tips:
Even a small amount of weight loss can lower blood pressure.
Sudden, significant elevations in blood pressure should be reported immediately.
Never discontinue a blood pressure medication except on the advice of your physician.

Answer 2

Reduce Blood Pressure Immediately

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 5

If your BP is going to lower from exercise and diet (you must combine and improve both) it will happen well under 6 months. You can even hope (I said hope) for a change after 1 month of honest improvement in diet and exercise.

Just make sure that you are following the instructions of an MD, preferably a cardiologist, regarding extent of exercise. You were probably told to start off slow and easy and consistent; this will be your safest starting regimen. You can work up to more strenuous later.

Answer 6

Are you looking to start this program because your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure and told you to start a program or because you are getting high readings on the machines available in pharmacies? My wife and both my daughters have high blood pressure and only the one was told to exercise and the doctor almost immediately added medication since the exercise was having no effect. See you doctor on this for professional advise. The exercise will help with the resting heart rate to some extent although relaxation will also work.

Answer 7

I lowered mine by going on a low carb diet about two years ago,I always walked and other exercise equipment.I was taking meds for high blood pressure for five years at the time.I think diet and exercise works the best.Good luck!

Answer 8

No body can answer your question but yourself
If you're on blood pressure medication then you must continue to take it until you see an improvement and to speak to the doctor before hand but if you're really want to know the results ,I suggest you buy a blood pressure wrist watch to see your progress 24/7.
Good luck