CNN —When it comes to lowering blood pressure, studies have typically shown that aerobic or cardio exercises are best.
Exercises that engage muscles without movement — such as wall squats and planks — may be best for lowering blood pressure, according to a large study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
“Overall, isometric exercise training is the most effective mode in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure,” said study coauthor Dr. Jamie O’Driscoll in a news release.
Systolic blood pressure measures the maximum pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and relaxes, while diastolic blood pressure denotes what the arterial pressure is when the heart rests between beats, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The authors defined healthy resting blood pressure as a reading below 130 over 85 millimeters of mercury — a measurement of pressure known as mmHg — pre-high blood pressure as ranging from 130/85 mmHg to 139/89 mmHG, and high blood pressure as 140/90 mmHG or greater.
Persons:
”, Jamie O’Driscoll, Joanne Whitmore, Whitmore wasn’t, Jim Pate, wasn’t, Whitmore, ” Pate
Organizations:
CNN, British, of Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Canterbury Christ Church University’s School of Psychology, Sciences, US Centers for Disease Control, British Heart Foundation, World Health Organization, Marylebone Health Group, Arthritis Foundation, “, CNN’s
Locations:
Canterbury, England, London