October 8th is recognized as National Hypertension Day, a time to reflect on high blood pressure and its management.

Many individuals dealing with hypertension often believe that exercise should be avoided entirely, worrying it might exacerbate symptoms like headaches and dizziness. However, research shows that moderate physical activity can be remarkably beneficial for those with high blood pressure.

Before embarking on any exercise routine, it’s essential for patients to confirm they do not have ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or other cardiovascular issues. Exercise plans should be personalized, taking into account factors such as fitness level, age, and weight.

For those with Stage 1 hypertension— categorized as a systolic pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of 90-99 mmHg— and Stage 2 hypertension, indicated by a systolic pressure of 160-179 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of 100-109 mmHg, engaging in exercise training is generally safe if there are no accompanying cardiovascular diseases. However, patients with Stage 3 hypertension, characterized by a systolic pressure of 180 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 110 mmHg or higher, should wait for effective blood pressure control before initiating any physical activities.

Warming up and cooling down before and after exercising is crucial to avoid injuries. In addition to regular exercise, patients should consider adopting holistic lifestyle changes, such as cutting down on salt and alcohol consumption and quitting smoking.

This insightful information comes from Rong Rong at the Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Jiangsu Province People’s Hospital, and has been edited by Wang Chao.