High blood pressure and gym workouts: 3 things you need to know to avoid sudden spikes in blood pressure.

During exercise, blood pressure can temporarily increase, especially during high-intensity workouts or heavy weightlifting. Certain weightlifting habits can also cause a sharp, short-term increase in blood pressure, according to the US health website Healthline .

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To avoid a sudden spike in blood pressure during exercise, people with high blood pressure should take note of the following:

Check your blood pressure before exercising.

People with high blood pressure don't necessarily have to stop exercising. However, before starting or increasing the intensity of exercise, it's important to know whether your blood pressure is under control.

If blood pressure remains consistently high despite treatment, patients should discuss appropriate exercise levels with their doctor. Dr. Amanda Paluch, an exercise science expert at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA), advises against strenuous exercise if blood pressure is very high or uncontrolled.

Start first

A safe workout should begin with a few minutes of warm-up exercises instead of jumping straight into strenuous workouts. Warming up helps the body gradually transition from a resting state to an active one, while also allowing heart rate and breathing rates to increase slowly.

People can start by walking slowly on a treadmill, cycling gently, or doing some stretching exercises. Then they can gradually increase the speed or move on to a main workout. This method is especially helpful for beginners or those who haven't exercised in a long time.

Don't hold your breath when lifting weights.

This is one of the things that people with high blood pressure need to pay special attention to. When lifting heavy weights, some people have a habit of holding their breath and tensing their entire body to try to complete the movement. However, this method causes blood pressure to increase sharply in a short period of time.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) warns that holding your breath while lifting weights can cause a very high blood pressure response and increase the risk of dizziness or fainting in some people. Therefore, exercisers should try to maintain a steady breathing rhythm instead of holding their breath while lifting weights.

Additionally, if you experience chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or a noticeable feeling of unwellness while exercising, you should not attempt to complete the workout. People with cardiovascular disease or other underlying medical conditions should also consult their doctor or healthcare professional before significantly increasing the intensity of their exercise, according to Healthline .