Blood Pressure Takes a Dip

One form of exercise that may be especially beneficial for older people is swimming. It is easy on sore joints and may have an unexpected benefit for those with high blood pressure. A small study found that swimming three or four times a week brought systolic blood pressure down from an average of 131 to 122 in three months. Subjects were randomly assigned to swimming or relaxation sessions. Those who swam were able to lower their blood pressure and improve blood vessel flexibility. The exercise was at least as good, if not better, than many blood pressure medications.
[American Journal of Cardiology, online, Jan. 16, 2012]