Britannica Sources used in this answer

How can exercise affect high blood pressure?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A man in athletic clothing jogs along a paved path beside a black metal fence, with trees and another person in the background. — exercise Jogging.

Regular aerobic exercise is a key component of nondrug therapy for managing hypertension, or high blood pressure. Engaging in consistent physical activity can help lower blood pressure in some individuals, with the most significant benefits often observed in younger people (under 40 to 45 years of age) whose condition is of relatively recent onset.12

Exercise contributes to blood pressure management in two primary ways:

Independent Effect: Physical activity appears to lower blood pressure independently of other factors.3
Weight Management: Exercise is strongly linked to maintaining a healthy body weight. Because obesity is a significant risk factor that can deleteriously impact blood pressure, exercise-induced weight loss serves as an effective strategy for reducing hypertension.23

Conversely, sedentary living habits and low levels of physical fitness are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. By incorporating regular exercise into a lifestyle that also emphasizes healthy dietary choices, individuals can significantly improve their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of complications such as coronary heart disease and stroke.231