The study found that just 5 minutes of exercise per day can noticeably lower blood pressure. Specifically, the data showed that 5 minutes of activity that increases the heart rate, such as cycling or climbing stairs, can lower systolic blood pressure by 0.68 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.54 mmHg.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that increases the risk of health problems like heart attacks and kidney damage. The researchers analyzed activity data and blood pressure readings from over 14,700 participants and found that small amounts of daily exercise can have a positive impact.
Even light activities like brisk walking were found to have some benefits for blood pressure. However, the researchers state that more vigorous exercise that really engages the cardiovascular system will have the greatest effect.
Given the minimal time commitment required and the wide range of simple exercises that can make a difference, the researchers hope these findings can help the over 1 billion adults worldwide who suffer from hypertension. They emphasize that just a few extra minutes of higher intensity movement per day could be an effective way to manage blood pressure.
Source: ScienceAlert
