Long-term high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and death. Fortunately, a new study has found that there are simple steps anyone can take to maintain their health even when struggling with high blood pressure. Maintaining good fitness levels through balanced nutrition and regular exercise is one key step in reducing the negative impacts associated with this condition.
The new study recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology was the first to evaluate the joint efforts of blood pressure and fitness on the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
It included 2,280 men aged 42 to 61 living in eastern Finland enrolled in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured through maximal oxygen uptake while riding a stationary bicycle. All participants’ blood pressure measurements were classified as low, medium, or high.
Baselines were taken between 1984 and 1989, and all participants were followed until 2018. During this follow-up time, there were 644 deaths due to cardiovascular disease. The outcomes were adjusted for risk factors such as cholesterol levels, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.
It was found that participants with high blood pressure and low fitness had a more than doubled risk of cardiovascular death compared to those with normal blood pressure and high fitness.
Study author Professor Jari Laukkanen concluded, “Getting blood pressure under control should remain a goal in those with elevated levels. Our study indicates that men with high blood pressure should also aim to improve their fitness levels with regular physical activity. In addition to habitual exercise, avoiding excess body weight may enhance fitness.”
Monitoring Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension affects many adults globally, with almost 1.3 billion individuals aged 30 to 79 years suffering from the condition. The implications of hypertension are dire, as it is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke, leading to premature deaths worldwide. The importance of monitoring blood pressure levels cannot be overstated, as hypertension is often asymptomatic and may go unnoticed until it causes serious health complications.
As this study shows, taking proactive steps toward managing and treating the condition is crucial to adopting a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.
By maintaining healthy blood pressure, you can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help support overall heart health. Human clinical studies have shown Healthy Blood Pressure Support to help support healthy blood pressure, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support and promote healthy blood pressure. In addition, Healthy Blood Pressure Support also supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.