The Power of Stretching: Lowering Blood Pressure and Improving Heart Health

2023-09-02 16:53:39

Millions of people suffer from hypertension around the world. It is a silent disease, which if not controlled can lead to heart failure, in addition to causing other health problems.

But besides that, the patient is also suggested to exercise on a daily basis. Precisely, a study recently revealed that there is a particular exercise that can lower blood pressure levels.

They were the experts from the University of Saskatchewan, who revealed that stretching should be part of the routine of all those who suffer from hypertension.

“When you stretch, you are not just stretching the muscles as is commonly believed. You are also stretching all the blood vessels that feed the muscle, including all the arteries. And if the stiffness in the arteries is reduced, the blood flows more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure, ”says Dr. Phil Chilibeck, professor of kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, in a report collected by Saber live on TV

Millions of people suffer from hypertension in the world. | Photo: Krunja Photography

In that study, it was also concluded that stretching is more effective than walking, speaking of controlling pressure.

To verify this, the researchers studied 40 men and women with high blood pressure for 8 weeks.

Hypertension requires medical treatment. | Photo: Getty Images

One part stretched for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The rest walked half an hour a day, the same five days.

They measured their blood pressure before and after the experiment, and found that the levels dropped more in those who did a stretching routine.

It is worth mentioning that the directors of this study assure that this does not mean that people should stop walking or doing some type of similar exercise. On the contrary, what they propose is to combine stretching with other kinds of sports.

Walking also helps lower blood pressure. | Photo: Getty Images

How to stretch to lower blood pressure

The experts also gave some indications to carry out a good stretching routine. The idea is to do short sessions, approximately 30 minutes. The goal will be to work the larger muscle groups in the legs, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings.

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“The good thing about stretching is that it’s very easy to incorporate into a person’s daily routine. It is not at the mercy of the weather and can be practiced by people with osteoarthritis because it is gentle on the joints. And it doesn’t take a lot of time,” says Dr. Phil.

Doing yoga can be effective in lowering blood pressure. | Photo: This image is subject to copyright.

In addition, he added that: “When you relax at night, instead of sitting on the sofa, you can sit on the floor and stretch out while watching TV.”

Keep in mind that, regardless of age, you should have medical check-ups every year to find out exactly how your body is. Remember that, like hypertension, there are many other silent diseases that only present symptoms when they are very advanced.

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