high blood pressure and exercise

[Dore.R]

sir
  Please let me know whether or not moderate to heavy weight training exercise in gym. has any beneficial effect in controlling hypertension in patient under medication or will this do any harm than good ?

       Dore R

[star queen]

Before beginning any exercise program, check with your doctor.  If you have high blood pressure exercise is one way you can bring it down.  Generally speaking, aerobic exercise, especially those old "cardio" ones will bring down the blood pressure best.  Walking, slow jogging, biking, swimming, etc. are the best exercises for cardio.  Lifting weights can put pressure on the "system" because you often hold your breath when doing a lift, or your head is down.  This puts pressure on the heart and your blood pressure will rise.  If you have high blood pressure these exercises are most often discouraged. Weights that include light lifting such as bringing a moderate weight up towards the head and the body is upright, are sometimes okay.  One thing you can do for yourself is get a good heart and blood pressure monitor for exercise.  There is a strap that goes around the chest and a watch that monitors your heart rate.  Work with your doctor to establish what is a good "range" for you to stay in during a workout.STAY WITHIN THE RANGE. Work with a trainer to establish a good exercise plan for you as an individual.  Don't "do it anyway". High blood pressure isn't something to fool around with.  If it goes too high during exercise you can give yourself a heart attack or a stroke.