Chronic high blood pressure is bad news for the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, but exercising four hours per week during leisure time is linked with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, according to a new analysis.
The study, published in the journal Hypertension, looked at data from 13 other studies that looked at the effects of physical exercise on blood pressure over time.
What did they find? That recreational physical activity - as opposed to physical activity in work - seemed to be a key. Exercising four or more hours per week during leisure time was linked with a 19 per cent lower risk of high blood pressure compared to exercising less than one hour per week.
It's not clear from the studies whether the amount exercise itself reduces in risk or whether it could be reflecting an overall healthier lifestyle, but maybe it's worth carving out those extra hours of exercise on your own time. You can read more about the study here.