Diet, exercise best way to lower blood pressure

Q: What is Performance Medicine?
A: It is a department of St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital that specializes in sports rehabilitation and athletic development.
Q: How can St. Luke's Performance Medicine help those who want to get heart healthy?
A: We will be starting a cardiac rehab program with board-certified doctors, physical therapists and fitness professionals that specialize in assessing, treating and improving heart health.
Q: What preventive heart-healthy exercises can patients add to their routines?
A: The heart is a muscle that needs to be worked like any other to stay strong.  We recommend cardio workouts with a polar heart monitor to make sure you're challenging, but not overtraining, your heart to be a more efficient pump.
Q: How should these exercises be amended for age or gender?
A: Cardio workouts are typically estimated based on age. Depending on the client, we monitor vitals or use MedGraphics and 12-lead EKG to get the most accurate level of training for individuals.
Q: Are there certain exercise plans or routines for people who have had heart attacks or strokes?
A: Yes. And people with a history of either of these should always consult their heart doctor prior to starting any exercise program.
Q: What professional tips do you have for anyone looking to improve their blood pressure?
A: Proper diet and exercise are still the best way to improve blood pressure.
Q: What exercises should people with heart conditions avoid?
A: Anything that utilizes a Valsalva maneuver (holding your breath while straining, such as in heavy lifting) and anything that raises your heart rate above the level that has been set for you by your physician.

NAME: Andrew Arthur
PRACTICE: Director of clinical services and human performance, St. Luke's Performance Medicine in The Woodlands

Mark DeHaven is a freelance writer. He can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.