Hypertension / Heart Conditions

Hypertension is a medical condition indicated by abnormally high blood pressure. The National Heart Foundation and the World Health Organisation recognise high blood pressure as 140/90 Hg. or higher. Traditionally it has been treated with medication but side effects to these drugs have led practitioners to look at more natural forms of treatment. Most patients are prescribed a combination of both drug and healthy lifestyle therapy. Hypertension is associated with diet, stress and being overweight. All three areas must be addressed. Exercise and activity can help reduce body weight as well as reduce feelings of stress.

The value of exercise to reduce hypertension is not wholly clear but both regular weight training and aerobic training seems to have positive effects.

Aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise under professional supervision is thought to-

• Mildly dilate arteries and so reducing overall pressure on the
  artery walls.
• Mildly reduce heart rate and increase stroke volume so the heart does not have to work so hard to supply blood to the working muscles.
• Reduce body weight which has been shown to reduce blood
  pressure.

Strength (weight) training under professional supervision will assist in-

• Increasing body strength making daily activities easier to
  perform
• Decreasing the effort needed to perform daily activities which will decrease the pressure on the cardiovascular system
• Lowering the fluctuations in blood pressure while exercising
  and performing activities of daily living

(NB. Fluctuations in blood pressure while performing a controlled weight training program has been shown to be no higher than changes in blood pressure when performing a controlled aerobic training program).

It is imperative that exercise be part of a program to reduce hypertension. So too, is it imperative to be well monitored by a professional. A medical report from the general practitioner is required before prescribing a full exercise program.

Heart Conditions

This group includes people who have been diagnosed with

• Coronary artery disease (history of angina with no cardiac episode)
• History of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack
• History of heart surgery (angioplasty or bypass surgery)

Exercise is so important for these people to regain strength of the heart muscles, however, all activity is usually prepared under the strict supervision of a post-cardiac care specialist.