Robert Wood Johnson Health Network, a network of independent healthcare providers in New Jersey, published a comprehensive article on the benefits of walking. Often, people consider walking to be regular daily exercise, they set goals, but struggle to achieve it. A number of factors may hinder motivation, including work obligations, family responsibilities, or a lack of motivation. However, you don’t have to worry – even something as simple as taking a walk can help you establish a good routine. There are many benefits to walking for your long-term health, including its ease, efficiency, and many advantages.
The authors of the article refer to several studies, including Aerobic Exercise in the Elderly: A Key to Successful Aging by Dr Jerome Fleg, and Keep on Walking by Dr Edward Wojtys.
According to these studies, in certain populations aerobic exercise, such as walking, can have similar effects in terms of lowering blood pressure compared to taking a single antihypertensive drug. In particular, these effects included lowered blood pressure.
Another study by Mayo Clinic has confirmed that walking lowers systolic blood pressure by 4.11 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.01 to 5.22 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure by 1.79 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.51 mm Hg) and resting heart rate by 2.76 beats per minute (bpm; 95% CI, 0.95 to 4.57 bpm).
However, make sure to always consult with your doctor if you have any questions regarding your medication or any changes that you wish to make to your medication.
