Patient's question:
I have high blood pressure, but these past two days I really want to go swimming. Can people with high blood pressure swim?Doctor's answer:
For patients with hypertension, swimming is an excellent activity prescription: because water provides a cooling stimulus to the skin. When stepping into the water, it can cause the skin's blood vessels to constrict after initially dilating, followed by a period of constriction. This cycle of constriction and dilation helps stabilize vascular function and improves blood redistribution. Additionally, the horizontal posture the body adopts while swimming reduces the strain on the heart, which can be beneficial in treating hypertension.Therefore, during the summer months, most patients with hypertension can swim, but it is equally important to manage the exercise intensity. The swimming stroke must be comfortable and relaxed, and long-distance swimming or swimming competitions should be avoided. Furthermore, deep water should not be entered to prevent any potential hazards.