2.  The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood  High Blood Pressure is when the force of the blood against your artery walls is too high that it may eventually cause health problems

3.  Widespread health problem effecting nearly 25% of the adult population in the US  More prevalent today due to growing obesity rate  Today 1 in 3 adults will be diagnosed with high blood pressure  Rarely any warning signs or symptoms

4.  Measured using two different numbers, systolic and diastolic pressure.  Systolic refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood  Diastolic refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats  Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

5.  Blood pressure measurements fall into these categories:  Pre hypertension was introduced to identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing hypertension

6.  Genetics/Family History  Age (As we grow older our risk increases)  African Americans tend to have the highest risk  Being overweight or obese  Unhealthy lifestyle/habits such as our diet or smoking

7.  Exercise and Be Physically Active for at least 30 minutes of your day  Maintain a healthy body weight appropriate for your height and shape  Follow a healthy diet cutting back on sodium (salt) and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.  Manage stress levels  Quit smoking because it only speeds up the process of hardening of your arteries

9.  Both aerobic and resistance training helps to decrease your resting blood pressure levels  Even the slighted reductions in resting diastolic pressures is significant as it has been associated with reduced risk of stroke and development of coronary heart disease.  High risk becomes a factor when performing 1-2 rep maximums or any type of heavy lifting  Although exercise pushes up blood pressure during activity, once your done there is usually an immediate drop because the exertion releases vasodilators, factors that widen blood vessels and stay in your system for a few hours. Overtime regular exercise increases the availability of oxygen in your body and the heart works more efficiently, with fewer beats per minute.

10.  Aerobic training with HBP suggests to work out at a moderate level at least for 30 minutes most if not all days of wk  According to one article to help lower resting blood pressure would include moderate intense aerobic exercise at least 40-60% of VO2max for 30-45 minutes most days of the wk  Moderate intensity activities include: brisk walking, easy jogging, biking, swimming, dynamic exercises, etc.

11.  Resistances training with patients who have HBP has increased and is being used more and more with cardiac rehab patients to help strengthen their heart  Most recommendations are 2 days a week concentrating on major muscle groups  Do not do any heavy lifting or anything too strenuous  Work your way up gradually  Lifting causes a higher increase in blood pressure so need to pay close attention to HR and stay within 40-60% of VO2 max unless you are highly fit  Emphasize dynamic movements, use proper breathing techniques, reduce or eliminate maximal attempts, limit repetitions performed or past exhaustion, use moderate amounts of resistance, emphasize proper technique

12.  Make sure you get clearance from doctor  See what doctor recommends and how there treatments/medications can affect them  Determine how you can incorporate their goals and interests into what they are able to do  If they are feeling overwhelmed let them take a break  Remind your client if they are having chest pains to make sure to let you know  Encourage them to purchase a heart rate monitor

13.  With the rise of people being diagnosed with hypertension we need to become more aware and intervene with individuals  Educate them the importance of exercise and lifestyle choices on blood pressure  Even the slightest decrease of blood pressure that people can gain from physical active is helpful  Not only is physical activity helpful for controlling or maintaining blood pressure, but it helps to prevent other diseases or health problems associated with HBP

14.  Conley, M., & Rozenek, R. (2001). Health aspects of resistance exercise and training. National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement, 23(6), 9-23.  Delzell, E. (n.d.). The effects of exercise on blood pressure. Retrieved from http://www.arthritistoday.org/fitness/starting-out/exercise-benefits/exercise-and-blood pressure.php  Hillman, G., & Kravitz, L. (n.d.). Hypertension and exercise. Retrieved from http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article folder/hypertension.html  Kravitz, L. (2000). Exercise and resting blood pressure. Retrieved from http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article folder/restingbp.html  Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012, August 3). High blood pressure (hypertension). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=risk-factors  National Heart Blood and Lung Institute. (2012, August 2). Explore high blood pressure. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/