Maintaining high levels of fitness can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality in men with high blood pressure, according to a recent study.
The study, from the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, analyzed data from the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease study, which followed 2,682 men aged 42 to 61 years for a median of 28.5 years.
The researchers found that high blood pressure alone was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, while low levels of fitness were also linked to a higher likelihood of cardiovascular death.
However, men with both high blood pressure and low fitness levels had over twice the risk of cardiovascular death compared to those with normal blood pressure and high levels of fitness.
Interestingly, the study also found that men with high blood pressure and high levels of fitness still had a high risk of heart disease-related mortality, although this risk was diminished when compared to those with low levels of fitness.
This suggests that maintaining a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness during adulthood is essential for lowering the risk of chronic diseases and death.
The most effective way to achieve this is through regular physical activity or exercise training.
These findings have big implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease-related mortality, especially for those with high blood pressure.
Therefore, it is essential to prioritize regular physical activity and exercise to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.
By doing so, people can reduce their risk of heart disease-related death and improve their overall health and well-being.
How to prevent high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition that affects many people worldwide.
While certain risk factors for high blood pressure, such as age and family history, cannot be modified, there are many lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent or manage high blood pressure. Here are some tips:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential.
Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Follow a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and low in saturated and trans fats and sodium can help lower your blood pressure.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, so it’s essential to limit your alcohol intake.
Quit smoking: Smoking can significantly increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, so quitting smoking can help prevent this condition.
Reduce stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can help reduce your risk.
Monitor your blood pressure: Regularly checking your blood pressure can help you identify any changes early and take action to prevent or manage high blood pressure.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes into your daily routine, you can help prevent or manage high blood pressure and improve your overall health and well-being.
However, if you have concerns about your blood pressure, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about cannabis linked to blood pressure reduction in older people, and this common plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how to live with high blood pressure, and results showing coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
The study was conducted by Jari A Laukkanen et al and published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
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