It is common to experience a rise in blood pressure after exercise and this can be very worrying for people who have high blood pressure or are at risk of hypertension.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is caused by stress, diet and other lifestyle factors as well as genetic predisposition.
This article looks at the causes of high blood pressure after exercise, how to manage it and what you can do to prevent it from happening so regularly.
Table of Contents
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This is often called hypertension because it is the medical term for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms or warning signs and this makes it very important to keep an eye on your blood pressure as you grow older. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or above is considered high blood pressure.
It is important to know that you may have high blood pressure for years before you have any symptoms and this can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes. If your doctor finds that you have high blood pressure, they will advise you on how to lower it.
Why does my blood pressure rise after exercise?
After you have exercised, your body releases chemicals called hormones. One of these, called adrenaline, increases your heart rate and blood pressure. This is why your heart starts to race when you get nervous or excited.
Exercise is also a great way to lower your blood pressure and it is important to remember that it takes time for your blood pressure to return to normal after you have exercised. If you measure your blood pressure right after you have exercised, it is likely to be higher than usual.
You may notice a rise in blood pressure for up to 24 hours after exercise. This is perfectly normal, but it does mean that you need to be extra careful about managing it. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to keep your blood pressure under control.
Regular exercise can help to lower your blood pressure, but you need to keep an eye on it after you have worked out.
How to manage high blood pressure after exercise
If you have high blood pressure and you notice that it is rising after exercise, there are a few things you can do to help bring it back down again. You should make sure you are well hydrated.
Dehydration is a common cause of high blood pressure and can also make exercise more difficult. If you are feeling thirsty, you are already a little dehydrated. When your body is dehydrated, it has to work harder to regulate your blood pressure and other bodily systems.
Make sure you rehydrate with water or a sports drink to make your body function more efficiently. Make sure you eat a balanced diet that suits your fitness goals. If you are doing a lot of cardio exercise, you will need to make sure you get enough protein in your diet to help your muscles recover after exercise.
How to prevent high blood pressure after exercise
You can reduce your risk of high blood pressure after exercise by making sure you are well hydrated before, during and after exercise. It is also important to make sure you warm up properly before exercising and stretch when you have finished.
When you are exercising, pay attention to how you feel. If you feel out of breath or dizzy, you may be exercising too hard. If you have high blood pressure, you can lower your risk of complications by making sure you are keeping your blood pressure under control.
You can do this by making sure you are eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and taking medication prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
Final Words
Blood pressure is something that many of us take for granted and assume it is something we will grow old with. The truth is, blood pressure is very important and it is crucial to keep an eye on it and make sure that it is under control. If you have high blood pressure and you notice it rising after exercise, make sure you take steps to bring it down again.
Make sure you are well hydrated and eat a balanced diet suitable for your fitness goals. It is also important to make sure you warm up and stretch after exercise. If you have high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of complications by keeping your blood pressure under control.
