Endurance exercise typically lowers resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure by how many mm Hg?

Endurance exercise is well-established as a beneficial intervention for reducing blood pressure among individuals, particularly those with hypertension. The range of 5-7 mm Hg for reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure reflects the average outcomes observed in numerous studies that evaluate the impact of aerobic training on cardiovascular health.

This range is supported by evidence indicating that regular participation in moderate-intensity endurance activities, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can lead to significant decreases in resting blood pressure over time. The physiological mechanisms behind this benefit include improvements in vascular endothelial function, enhanced nitric oxide production, and reductions in peripheral vascular resistance. These adaptations collectively contribute to better blood flow and decreased blood pressure.

The values provided in other ranges may reflect potential outcomes but do not align with the most commonly observed results from extensive research, which demonstrate that the effect of endurance exercise consistently produces an average decrease of 5-7 mm Hg in blood pressure readings. This makes the selected range both realistic and supported by scientific literature.