Walking Slower May be Sign of High Blood Pressure

As people age, walking speeds tend to decrease, but a 14-year study starting in 1988 of 643 seniors
funded by the National Institutes of Health has found a link between dramatically decreased walking
speeds and seniors with high blood pressure. Approximately one-third of American adults has
hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure (top number) greater than 139 or diastolic blood
pressure (bottom number) higher than 89.
High Blood Pressure May Lead to Less Independence
In the Cardiovascular Health Study lead by Caterina Rosano of the University of Pittsburgh, all
participants experienced a decrease in walking speed over fourteen years, but those with
hypertension experienced a significantly sharper decline. The participants with high blood pressure
experienced declines that were 0.2 miles per hour slower than those without hypertension,
indicating a 10% more significant drop in walking speeds.
Participants in the study who had hypertension included those who controlled their high blood
pressure well and those who were unable to maintain a normal blood pressure. Unfortunately, the
walking speed declines were seen in both groups with hypertension, underlying how prevention of
high blood pressure is superior to treating it; however, other studies have shown other helpful
benefits for treating high blood pressure.
Why is walking speed important for older adults? A significant decline in mobility can lead to and is
associated with multiple serious health issues, such as falls, heart and circulation problems, kidney
disease, dementia, and other disabilities. This study also looked at other possible contributing
factors related to the decreased walking speeds in seniors and did not find heart, kidney, or brain
problems to be consistently associated with the slower walking speeds.
A CDC May 20, 2011 article indicated that people with diabetes that walked at moderate levels at
least two hours per week decreased mortality rates by 39% and those who walked for exercise 3-4
hours per week decreased mortality rates by 54%.
Prevention of Hypertension May Lead to Greater Independence
Aging adults face many choices and lifestyle changes. Few people relish the thought of becoming
dependent on others and may be searching for ways to maintain independence if at all possible. It
appears that hypertension, whether controlled or not, may be associated with decreased mobility
with a likely loss independence. Because hypertension often does not have symptoms, adults should
check with a healthcare provider to see how often his or her blood pressure should be evaluated and
maintain an active, healthy lifestyle to promote prevention of high blood pressure.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for
diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is
concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention May 20, 2011 article "Relationship of Walking to
Mortality among U.S. Adults with Diabetes"
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute article "What is High Blood Pressure?" last updated April 1,
2011.

National Institutes of Health March 15, 2011 article

"NIH study: High blood pressure linked to steeper
decline in walking speeds in seniors"
United States National Institutes of Health article
"Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)" last updated May
1, 2009.