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High Blood Pressure Swimming

I’m suffering from Hypertension but I enjoy swimming. Can I swim daily?
(June 23, 2010)

Hypertension Natural Treatment: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which your blood pressure is elevated. Persistent hypertension is a cause of worry as it might lead to heart failure, strokes, attacks, and renal failure. Constant elevation in your blood pressure shortens your life expectancy. High blood pressure leads to high tension or pressure in the arteries. The normal blood pressure of a human being is 120/80 mm of Hg.




The first digit is called systolic pressure and corresponds to pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood to all organs of the body. The second number is known as diastolic blood pressure.It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. An elevation of any of these two blood pressures places you at risk of developing heart disease, heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke.

Diet for Hypertension: There are two types of high blood pressure—essential and secondary blood hypertension. Essential hypertension is far more common and is found in 95% of the cases. Secondary hypertension accounts for only 5% of hypertension. Essential hypertension is usually found in people consuming excessive salt. Genetic factors are also major reasons for developing essential hypertension. Secondary hypertension is caused due to specific disorders in some organ or blood vessels such as the kidney, artery, or adrenal gland.

Exercises for Hypertension: Uncomplicated hypertension usually occurs without any symptoms. It is called a silent killer as it may develop into something serious without any noticeable symptoms. Some people with hypertension may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Regular exercise, such as swimming, is recommended for patients with hypertension as it helps lower down their blood pressure. Swimming is an aerobic exercise which engages all of the muscles in the body. This calls for regular supply of oxygen in the body. The heart is under pressure to continuously pump oxygenated blood and the blood vessels dilate to accommodate that extra blood to get that oxygen there. Swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without over working your heart. It also improves your cardiovascular conditioning by toning your varicose veins and strengthening the muscles. Swimming helps reduce stress and brings flexibility in your body.

No matter which exercise routine you choose, be patient, start slowly, and gradually increase the duration and frequency of exercise. It is a good idea to first consult your doctor and find out if you can start exercising and for how long. A heavy workout might adversely affect your blood pressure levels. Any exercise which causes adverse fluctuations in blood pressure should be completely avoided. Thus, swimming elicits significant reduction in arterial blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. So you can happily go for swimming and keep yourself fit.
Submitted by S M on June 23, 2010 at 06:19

 

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