Blood Pressure in Athletes and Runners
It has been well-established in countless studies that moderate levels of routine aerobic exercise can help decrease blood pressure in populations with high or normal blood pressure. (1) The American Academy of Family Physicians cites the prevalence of hypertension in a fit individual is about half of the general population but adds that some athletes may have an increased risk of hypertension. (2)
Other studies indicate that systolic blood pressure (top number) is elevated during exercise and after exercise for about 2 hours. After the 2-hour mark, the blood pressure tends to stay lower for 1 to 3 days. (3,4) After three days, the effects of exercise tend to diminish. Because of the diminished effect, experts agree that moderate aerobic exercise on most days of the week is important to maximize the benefits of blood pressure reduction.
Does the type and volume of exercise impact blood pressure?
A recent review paper found that endurance-trained athletes have a lower blood pressure than strength-based athletes. (5) The National Runners’ Health Study, a cross-sectional study conducted in 1997, concluded that runners averaging 50 miles per week or more had slightly lower blood pressure levels than those running less than 50 miles per week and that running in general lowered blood pressure. (6) This study design shows correlation but does not prove causation.
For now, the most recent data suggest that moderate aerobic exercise (including running) is beneficial for blood pressure health.
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