Winter swimming is a highly stimulating sport, and moderate winter swimming exercise is beneficial for most people's physical health. So, is winter swimming beneficial for hypertension?
Is winter swimming beneficial for hypertension?
Hypertensive patients should be cautious about winter swimming. After winter swimming, blood pressure generally rises immediately, and 30 minutes later, systolic blood pressure returns to normal while diastolic blood pressure remains at a higher level. Therefore, hypertensive patients should strictly control the level of stimulation when winter swimming.
Emotional hypertension and winter swimming
Emotional hypertension patients can engage in winter swimming. Emotional hypertension refers to individuals whose blood pressure is not usually high, but due to long-term mental stress, their blood pressure becomes elevated and remains at a higher level. As long as these individuals relax and persist in cold water exercise, their blood pressure will gradually return to normal.
Gradual progression for hypertension and winter swimming
For hypertensive patients with arteriosclerosis, high systolic pressure, and large pulse pressure, when their skin comes into contact with cold water, the blood vessels on the surface of their bodies constrict, which temporarily increases blood pressure. The lower the water temperature, the more sudden the effect, and the more significant the temporary increase in systolic pressure. Therefore, these individuals should strictly follow the principle of gradual progression during exercise and avoid excessive intensity to prevent accidents.
Nephropathic hypertension and winter swimming
Hypertensive patients with impaired kidney function should avoid cold water exercise, such as winter swimming. After the kidney function improves, they can use the minimum level of stimulation for local cold water baths.
