A recent study has highlighted the importance of maintaining high levels of physical activity throughout young adulthood to prevent high blood pressure in later life. Conducted across four US cities, the research involved over 5,100 adults who were tracked for three decades.
The study found that physical activity levels declined significantly between the ages of 18 and 40, with rates of hypertension rising accordingly. However, those who engaged in moderate exercise (five hours a week) during early adulthood saw a significant reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure.
According to researchers, achieving at least twice the current minimum adult guidelines for physical activity may be more beneficial than meeting the minimum standards. This is because young adulthood marks an important window for intervening to prevent midlife hypertension through targeted health promotion programs.
The study also revealed stark racial disparities in health trajectories, with Black men and women experiencing higher rates of hypertension by age 60 compared to their White counterparts. Researchers attributed these disparities to a range of social and economic factors, including socioeconomic status, neighborhood environments, and work or family responsibilities.
As one lead author noted, “Nearly half of our participants in young adulthood had suboptimal levels of physical activity, which was significantly associated with the onset of hypertension.” The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting physical activity among young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/study-reveals-how-much-exercise-you-need-each-week-to-control-blood-pressure