Exercise hypertension

From ArticleWorld

Exercise hypertension occurs when an individual's blood pressure rises excessively during exercise. It is characterized by a significant increase in systolic pressure to 250mmHg or more. Hypertension is the decreased ability of the body's blood vessels to change size with increased blood flow.

Blood pressure

A person's blood pressure is measure by determining the amount of pressure put forth by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Blood pressure, or arterial blood pressure, is most accurately measures by gauging the pressure in the large arteries, most commonly the brachial artery found in the arm. The most common way to measure one's blood pressure is by using a sphygmomanometer; and inflatable cuff place high on the upper arm at the same approximate height of the heart.

Systolic pressure and diastolic pressure

Systolic pressure is the highest pressure exerted in the arteries during the cardiac cycle and the diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle's resting phase. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). In a healthy adult, the systolic pressure should range between 90-135 mmHg and the diastolic should be between 50-90 mmHg with the average being 120mmHg/80 mmHg.

Effects of exercise hypertension and high blood pressure

Exercise hypertension, which is characterized by excessively high blood pressure, has many side effects and could prove to be deadly if gone unchecked by a doctor. Usually, exercise hypertension can be controlled with medication.

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Arterial aneurysms
• Chronic renal (kidney) failure
• Diabetes