Approximately 3,000 steps, can substantially reduce high blood pressure in older adults, a recent study reveals.
This study was led by Linda Pescatello, a distinguished professor of kinesiology, has discovered that a modest increase in daily steps, approximately 3,000 steps, can substantially reduce high blood pressure in older adults.
The research focused on sedentary older adults aged 68 to 78 who walked around 4,000 steps daily before the study. Participants were provided with pedometers, blood pressure monitors, and step diaries to log their daily activity.
On average, participants experienced a reduction of seven points in systolic blood pressure and four points in diastolic blood pressure after the intervention.
These reductions are associated with an 11% decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality, a 16% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk, an 18% lower risk of heart disease, and a 36% decrease in stroke risk.
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The study indicates that the achieved 7,000 steps are comparable in terms of blood pressure improvement to the effects of anti-hypertensive medications. Even participants already on such medications saw improvements in systolic blood pressure with increased daily activity.
The research highlights the value of exercise as a therapeutic approach to hypertension and emphasizes the importance of overall physical activity volume, rather than intensity or specific walking patterns.
