According to experts, the ideal amount of exercise is 20 minutes of intense exercise per day. But researchers from the University of London say that even five minutes of brisk walking or lifting weights a day can save a life. After just five minutes of exercise a day, it lowers blood pressure and improves the health of the heart and blood vessels.
Experts from the University of London say that small lifestyle changes, such as swapping five minutes of watching TV for five minutes of running, are enough to significantly boost heart health. The biggest benefits come from activities that raise the heart rate, such as dancing, running, or vigorous house cleaning.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and heart attacks. If left untreated, the heart can enlarge over time due to increased pressure, pump less efficiently, and can lead to heart failure.
“Our findings suggest that for most people, exercise is the key to lowering blood pressure, rather than a less strenuous form of exercise such as walking. The good news is that regardless of your physical abilities, it doesn’t take long before you feel a positive effect on your blood pressure,” says lead study author Dr. Jo Blodgett from University College London.
“What’s unique about this study is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing stairs to a short bike ride, many of which can be incorporated into a daily routine. For those who do not exercise much, walking still has some positive effects on blood pressure. But if you want to change your blood pressure, more intense exercise will have the greatest effect on the cardiovascular system,” he added.
