What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure (BP) refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps.

It’s measured as:

• Systolic BP (top number): pressure during heart contraction

• Diastolic BP (bottom number): pressure during heart relaxation

Generally, a healthy blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80mmHg.

Persistently elevated blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Why it matters

High blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition because it may not cause noticeable symptoms, yet it can lead to progressive damage over time.

What does support and management look like?

Consistent lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce elevated BP and overall cardiac risk.

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet (e.g., low sodium, rich in vegetables, fruits & whole grains)

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Limit alcohol intake and manage stress

• Regular aerobic and resistance exercise

  Smoking cessation

• Monitor BP readings regularly

Our approach

• As Accredited Exercise Physiologists, we can design a personalised exercise program specifically tailored to improving your blood pressure and reducing your cardiovascular risk — monitoring your response to exercise and progressing your program safely over time

• In-clinic monitoring of resting and exercising blood pressure

• A collaborative approach with your healthcare team

• In-clinic and telehealth options available

Regular exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle interventions for high blood pressure. Research shows it can reduce systolic blood pressure by 5–8 mmHg — comparable to some medications. An exercise physiologist can help you find the right type, intensity and duration of exercise for your individual situation.