In a new study from the University of Pittsburgh, researchers found a “prescription” to sit less and move more is the optimal first treatment choice for reducing mild to moderately elevated blood pressure and blood cholesterol in otherwise healthy adults.
An estimated 21% of U.S. adults, about 53 million, have systolic (top number) blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg; both values are abnormally high.
Likewise, the scientific statement authors estimate that 28% of U.S. adults, or about 71 million, have an LDL cholesterol score above 70 mg/dL and otherwise meet the criteria for low risk of heart disease or stroke.
The statement highlights research concluding that physically active people have a 21% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 36% lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are not physically active.
To improve health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest individuals participate in either a cumulative 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly plus two or more strength training sessions each week.
According to the statement, prescribing exercise includes:
Screening patients about physical activity at every interaction, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine’s ‘Exercise is Medicine campaign. Clinicians can ask patients to report their physical activity with a few questions or by using a wearable device.
Providing ideas and resources for supporting patients to improve and sustain regular physical activity;
Meeting patients where they are by exploring activities that the patient enjoys and providing ideas for early success; and
Encouraging and celebrating small increases in physical activity, such as walking more or taking the stairs.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about common anti-inflammation drug that may increase your blood pressure, and common juice that may help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about common vitamin that may harm your eye health, and results showing these existing drugs can kill COVID-19 virus.
The study is published in Hypertension. One author of the study is Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., FAHA.
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