What is Hypertension?
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a very common condition amongst the general population. Whilst it can be an underlying genetic disorder it is usually lifestyle factors that is the main cause of hypertension
Hypertension can have serious health implications and can increase your chances for developing kidney disease, heart failure, heart attacks and strokes.
Testing for Hypertension
The best way to measure blood pressure is through a simple 5-minute blood pressure test. Blood Pressure is expressed as two different numbers (measured in millimeters of mercury or mmHg), the systole, measures pressure of the arteries at maximal heart contraction, and diastole, is when the heart is relaxed. The reading is expressed as
systolic/diastoleic pressure.
Grades of Hypertension
| Diagnostic Category | Systolic(mmHg) | Diastolic(mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal | <120 | and | <80 |
| Normal | 120-129 | and/or | 80-84 |
| High-Normal | 130-139 | and/or | 85-89 |
| Grade 1 (mild) hypertension | 140-159 | and/or | 90-99 |
| Grade 2 (moderate) hypertension | 160-179 | and/or | 100-109 |
| Grade 3 (severe) hypertension | >180 | and/or | >110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension | >140 | and | <90 |
Factors that Increase Hypertension
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive salt in the diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
- Stress
- Older age
- Genetics
How Exercise Can Help Hypertension
Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help protect you from hypertension and heart disease. Regular exercise can have a significant effect in reducing your blood pressure by 6-7 mmHg. Many scientific studies have also shown that reducing your systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg, you can decrease your chance of death by stroke by 14% and death by coronary heart disease by 9%. Constant exercise and a good diet are the first steps in reducing blood pressure, along with pharmaceutical interventions.
Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, walking, running, and cycling, has shown to reduce resting blood pressure.
How SMI can Help
Sports and Exercise Physician
Can undertake a thorough history and examination and coordinate a comprehensive yet easy to follow treatment plan to assist in reducing blood pressure and improving
lifestyle
Exercise Physiologist
Provide a guided exercise program that can work around your injuries or conditions
Dietician
Our dietician can give you help with all matters related to eating (and drinking) in a way that suits your lifestyle
Genisys Gym
Our community-based rehabilitation gym allows our patient to come in undertake their rehabilitation and exercise program in a comfortable environment
