Dr. Jason V. Tso advises optimal walking times for hypertension control

Regular walking is an effective, low‑cost method to lower high blood pressure, which affects nearly half of adults worldwide and is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Research shows that the time of day when a walk is taken influences the post‑exercise hypotension window, with aerobic activity in the late afternoon or evening producing a larger reduction in systolic pressure than a morning walk.

Dr. Jason V. Tso of Stanford University School of Medicine cautions that intensive evening walks may disrupt sleep for some individuals, and notes that poor sleep itself raises hypertension risk. Consequently, the best walking schedule is the one that fits a person’s daily routine and can be maintained consistently. The blood‑pressure‑lowering effect of walking stems from increased nitric‑oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels, and from reduced cortisol levels, which improves arterial flexibility.