What effect does regular physical activity have on blood pressure?

Regular physical activity is known to have a significant and beneficial impact on blood pressure. Engaging in consistent exercise helps to strengthen the heart, making it more efficient in pumping blood. This efficiency means that the heart doesn't have to work as hard to circulate blood throughout the body, which can lead to lower blood pressure levels.

Additionally, physical activity contributes to weight management, and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for blood pressure control. Exercise can also improve vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing overall resistance within the cardiovascular system. These physiological effects culminate in the lowering of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, promoting better cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of hypertension-related complications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established understanding of the relationship between physical activity and blood pressure. Regular exercise is widely recommended as a cornerstone of hypertension management due to its consistent ability to lower blood pressure rather than raise it, have no effect, or cause drastic fluctuations.