Blood Pressure in Athletes and Runners

Published by Ofer on

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)
athletes blood pressure
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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Article Sources

  1. Vasan RS, B. A. S. S. L. M. K. W. D. R. L. D. Residual lifetime risk for developing hypertension in middle-aged women and men: The Framingham Heart Study. JAMA.,2002 Feb 27;287(8):1003-10.
  2. The American Academy of Family Physicians: Managing Hypertension in Athletes and Physically Active Patients (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0801/p445.html)
  3. Ruivo JA, Alcantara P. Hypertension and exercise. Rev Port Cardiol.2012 Feb;31(2):151-8. doi: 10.1016/j.repc.2011.12.012. Epub 2012 Jan 10.
  4. Whelton SP, Chin A, Xin X, He J. Effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Ann Intern Med. 2002 Apr 2;136(7):493-503.
  5. Berge HM et al.  Blood pressure in elite athletes: A systematic review, Br J Sports Med. (2015)
  6. Williams PT,Relationship of Distance Run per Week to Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in 8283 Male Runners The National Runners’ Health Study, Arch Intern Med. 1997 Jan 27; 157(2): 191–198.
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