Study: Weight Lifting Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - High blood pressure is a very common condition in men over 40. There is no doubt that regular exercise, watching your weight and trying to reduce stress are all good ideas when you are trying to lower your blood pressure. But, according to a new study out of the University of South Carolina there may be one way to reduce your risk by as much as 34%. It is a way many people have not really thought about.

Their study finds that men who build muscle strength can reduce their risk dramatically. According to the findings reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, men over age 40 with high blood pressure were followed for about 18 years. Those with the highest muscular strength had the greatest life expectancy.

If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Regular exercise is necessary to build strength and, once muscle mass is developed, it can help burn calories even when people are at rest.

Reported by Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio 1060