Health
Just 5 minutes of exercise could reduce high blood pressure, study finds
Just a few minutes a day could make a big difference in your blood pressure, according to a new study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers at University College London (UCL) and the University of Sydney evaluated how small bursts of exercise impacted people’s blood pressure.
A total of 14,761 participants across six countries wore activity trackers while performing short physical tasks, including walking at various speeds, running, cycling or stair climbing, according to a press release from UCL.
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Throughout a 24-hour day, the participants had approximately seven hours of sleep, 10 hours of sedentary behavior (such as sitting), three hours of standing, one hour of slow walking, one hour of fast walking and just 16 minutes of exercise activities, the release stated.
Just a few minutes a day could make a big difference in your blood pressure, according to a new study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association. (iStock)
The researchers then analyzed what happened to blood pressure when a person replaced a less active behavior with five minutes of exercise, finding that it resulted in “clinically meaningful” improvements.
Incorporating just 10 to 20 additional minutes of exercise per day could equate to a 10% reduction in heart disease risk, the release stated.
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“Our findings suggest that, for most people, exercise is key to reducing blood pressure, rather than less strenuous forms of movement, such as walking,” Dr. Jo Blodgett, first author of the study from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, said in the release.
“The good news is that whatever your physical ability, it doesn’t take long to have a positive effect on blood pressure,” she continued.
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“What’s unique about our exercise variable is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing the stairs to a short cycling errand, many of which can be integrated into daily routines.”
While walking did have some positive effects, the researcher noted, exercises that “put more demand on the cardiovascular system” were shown to be most beneficial for blood pressure.
“When we lead lifestyles our bodies weren’t designed for — such as being sedentary or having constant access to high-calorie foods — our health can suffer.”
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as readings that are consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
The first number, systolic blood pressure (SBP), measures the pressure against the artery walls when the heart beats, UCL noted.
The second number, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), measures the pressure against the artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats.
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The condition affects 1.28 billion adults and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, statistics show.
Despite the absence of symptoms, hypertension is a main contributing factor to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage and other dangerous conditions.
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as readings that are consistently above 140/90 mmHg. (iStock)
“Previous research in this area has come from heavily controlled exercise training studies with supervised or prescribed exercise programs,” Professor Mark Hamer, joint senior author of the study from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, said in the release.
“The difficulty with these types of studies is that although they work to reduce blood pressure, when people finish the program, they usually revert to their sedentary habits.”
“Our study is unique as we observed free-living physical activity performed in everyday life can have benefits that are most likely far more sustainable long-term.”
This study confirms what clinicians and patients have long observed, according to Ian Del Conde Pozzi, M.D., cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.
The human body functions at its best with daily physical activity, a doctor noted. “One way regular exercise reduces cardiovascular risk, including heart disease and stroke, is by lowering blood pressure and improving metabolic health.” (iStock)
“One way regular exercise reduces cardiovascular risk, including heart disease and stroke, is by lowering blood pressure and improving metabolic health, such as enhancing glucose metabolism and supporting healthy weight management,” Del Conde Pozzi, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
The human body functions at its best with daily physical activity, the doctor noted.
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“When we lead lifestyles our bodies weren’t designed for — such as being sedentary or having constant access to high-calorie foods — our health can suffer,” he said.
Regular exercise helps restore the body to its “natural state,” allowing it to function better and helping to prevent many chronic health conditions.
Despite the absence of symptoms, hypertension is a main contributing factor to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage and other dangerous conditions. (iStock)
Exercise alone may not be enough to resolve hypertension, however.
“While most patients with high blood pressure may not achieve full blood pressure control through exercise alone, some individuals can potentially prevent high blood pressure altogether by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise,” Del Conde Pozzi said.
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The study was supported by the British Heart Foundation.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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