The Relationship Between Diastolic Blood Pressure and Exercise

Blood Pressure Types

There are two types of blood pressure, systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the maximum blood pressure in the system as the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure is the minimum blood pressure while the heart rests and fills with blood, prior to the next heart contraction. While it is important to understand both blood pressure representations, this article focuses on diastolic blood pressure.

Diastolic Blood Pressure with Exercise

Change in blood pressure occurs with exercise. Diastolic pressure should not vary by more than 5 to 10 mm of mercury because this represents pressure in the system when the heart is not contracting. A significant elevation in diastolic blood pressure during exercise could be an indication of a serious health issue or malfunction within the cardiovascular system.

The heart rate will, typically, increase during exercise, depending on intensity levels. This is necessary for increased blood flow to the working muscles, thus allowing for increased respiration, which results in the muscles working efficiently. During exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming, systolic blood pressure progressively elevates while diastolic blood pressure is only slightly elevated. Weight lifting exercises causes elevation in both systolic and diastolic pressures. The more strenuous the exercise, the more elevated your heart rate will be.

It’s Not One Size Fits All

It is important to understand that the effects of exercise on blood pressure will vary, depending on each person and his or her age, gender, exercise level, exercise intensity as well as other pertinent factors. It is also important to warm up and cool down with any exercise regime. This helps your body transition from rest to physical activity then back to rest.

Pay attention to your heart rate, especially during cool-down. Your heart rate needs to gradually decrease so that your blood pressure does not drop too sharply imposing danger and causing muscle cramping. For cool-down, your target heart rate should be approximately 10 – 15 beats above your resting heart rate.

Be sure to breathe, regularly, as you warm-up, exercise and cool-down. Holding your breath can cause elevated blood pressure as well as and muscle cramping.

Always consult your physician or caregiver prior to beginning any exercising program, particularly if you have high blood pressure, other pre-existing conditions or if you have been inactive for an extended period of time. Also, remember that making healthy eating choices is crucial in living an overall healthy lifestyle.