Aerobic Exercise and Blood Pressure

High levels of stress are associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension. However, research has found that reducing systolic blood pressure slightly by only 3-5 mmHg, in turn reduces the risk of mortality by 4-7% and the risk of coronary disease as well. 

According to a study by Riberiro et al. (2011), the effect of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (80-85% of heart rate reserve) on blood pressure readings was investigated among 12 professors.  It was found that aerobic exericse in the morning did not elevate blood pressure during teaching hours of 8 am to noon.  In addition, lower blood pressure measurements were found in the evening.  The drop in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure during sleep was 2-4 times more pronounced than the participants that did not exercise in the control group.  In fact, the control group experienced a significant blood pressure spike in the first 2 hours of their teaching schedule.   

In short, aerobic exercise showed lower blood pressure measurements throughout the day in the professors and lower noctural levels during rest.  The results support that exercise may help to prevent the development of hypertension and the risk of coronary death.

References 

Ribeiro, F; Campbell, CSG; Mendes, G; Arsa, G; Moreira, SR; da Silva, FM; Prestes, J; Sotero, RC; Simoes, HG. Exercise lowers blood pressure in university professors during subsequent teaching and sleeping hours (2011).  International Journal of General Medicine 4: 711-716.