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High Blood Pressure? Get High on Exercise Instead: Your Brain Will Thank You

Writer's picture: Dmitri KonashDmitri Konash

IMST breathing without a device and vigorous physical activity help to lower blood pressure and protect against cognitive decline and dementia

Source of this news briefing: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist via ScienceDaily - June 2024 [1]


Key Theme: We report about the new new study suggesting that vigorous physical activity

may provide enhanced protection against cognitive decline in individuals with hypertension. What if you hate or just can not run?


Main Findings:

  • Hypertension and cognitive decline: Individuals with high blood pressure are at increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.

  • Vigorous exercise is protective: Engaging in at least one session of vigorous physical activity per week was associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

  • Previous research: This study builds upon previous research from the SPRINT and SPRINT MIND trials, which demonstrated the benefits of intensive blood pressure management on cardiovascular health and cognitive function.


Quotes:

  • "We know that physical exercise offers many benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving heart health and potentially delaying cognitive decline," said Richard Kazibwe, M.D., lead author of the study.

  • "People who engaged in one or more sessions of vigorous physical activity per week had lower rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia." - Richard Kazibwe


Implications:

  • These findings highlight the potential of vigorous exercise as a preventative strategy for cognitive decline in individuals with hypertension, particularly those under 75.


What if running uphill is not my thing?

  • You may the Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) breathing exercises, which can be done seated and help to lower blood pressure immediately

  • IMST can be practiced without special equipment through specific breathing patterns and resistance techniques

  • This technique has been developed in the University of Colorado and scientifically proven to lower blood pressure long term [2]


How can I try these natural methods to lower blood pressure and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia?

  • Install our blood pressure app BreathNow, which guides you through:

    • Aerobic exercises tailored to your fitness level

    • Structured IMST breathing sessions and other breathing techniques to lower blood pressure

    • Blood pressure tracking and monitoring


Most of the BreathNow app functionality is free and you can try premium features during a 3 day trial to make sure that the natural techniques in app really lead to lower blood pressure.


Have a wonderful day!


REFERENCES.


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