High blood pressure: Doing this from the comfort of your chair can help lower hypertension - Express

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition in the UK, affecting more than a quarter of adults.

The condition must be controlled, because if left untreated it can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

People with hypertension are encouraged to make healthy lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, such as getting more exercise.

But for some people, getting out and partaking in physical activity can be difficult, especially for those with mobility problems.

If you struggle to get out and exercise, doing some chair-based exercises could help you to keep active and improve your blood pressure.

“Chair-based exercises are designed to help people build up their activity levels without putting unwanted strain on their hips, legs or arms,” said Blood Pressure UK.

“This makes them ideal for people with arthritis or osteoporosis, or who have had back, knee or hip surgery.”

“Also, because the activities gently build up a person’s fitness, they are suitable for people who have very low levels of fitness.”

Chair-based exercises comprise a series of stretches, movements and activities that increase the heart rate and strengthen arm and leg muscles.

They can help people who are less mobile to become more active and steady on their feet.

“In addition, over time they may lower your blood pressure and help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight,” said Blood Pressure UK.

According to the blood pressure expert, there are chair-based exercise classes located in some community halls around the UK.

Alternatively, you may be able to do your own exercise class at home.

For people who are more mobile and able to get out and exercise, the NHS recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, while also completing strength exercises on at least two days a week.

Alternatively, you could do 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week and strength exercises on at least two days a week.

Blood Pressure UK recommends cycling, brisk walking, swimming, tennis and jogging as ways to get active.

Dancing and less obvious activities like mowing the lawn can also provide good exercise.

Activities which are not recommended for people with high blood pressure include weight lifting, squash, sprinting, skydiving and scuba diving.

This is because exercise which is very intensive for short periods of time can quickly raise blood pressure and put strain on the heart and blood vessels.

“Being inactive is linked to high blood pressure; therefore increasing your activity levels will reduce your blood pressure,” said Blood Pressure UK.

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