Everything You Need to Know About Blood Pressure

Everything You Need to Know About Blood Pressure

A qualified personal trainer should check your blood pressure during the initial assessment, with the only exception being individuals under the age of 18. The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg for systolic and less than 80 mmHg for diastolic. The systolic number, or the top value, indicates how hard the heart is contracting, while the diastolic number, or the bottom value, indicates how hard the heart is relaxing. Blood pressure is vital for overcoming gravity and pumping blood to the brain.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, often termed the “silent killer,” is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg. This measurement is taken in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). When blood pressure is consistently elevated, it exerts excessive force on the arterial walls, which can lead to damage and increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and complications affecting other organs, including vascular dementia in the brain and vision problems.

Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure is not solely caused by elevated sodium levels. While sodium intake can impact blood pressure by a few points, more significant factors include inadequate sleep (less than six hours), dehydration, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress (due to elevated cortisol levels), and excess body weight (obesity).

How Personal Trainers Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

To effectively manage high blood pressure, it is crucial to have proper medical supervision. With the appropriate medical release form, personal trainers can assist in regulating factors that contribute to high blood pressure, such as weight, stress, hydration, and cardiovascular health. Regular walking has been shown to lower blood pressure, along with a consistent fitness and cardiovascular exercise regimen.

If you're looking to better manage your blood pressure, consult your physician and consider starting a supervised exercise program with a qualified, certified personal trainer (SUF-CPT).