Replacing sitting with 5 minutes of physical activity or 20-27 minutes of moderate exercise daily can significantly reduce blood pressure.

People who get short bursts of exercise from stair climbing or cycling are among those who benefit, international research finds.

A new study shows an extra 5 minutes of daily vigorous exercise helps control hypertension. The findings become more significant with an extra 10 and 20 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each day.

According to the study, these five extra minutes are especially impactful for people who already have slightly elevated blood pressure, often called prehypertension. By adding a little more physical activity in each day, people in this range could potentially avoid needing medications or further interventions.

While five minutes is the minimum amount to see any change in blood pressure, 10 or 20 minutes may be enough to see clinically meaningful improvements. Taking the stairs, going on brisk walks around the neighborhood,

Simple daily exercises, such as 5-minute boosts during morning exercise, lower blood pressure and promote a healthy heart. Here is how the smallest of changes can make a big difference in managing hypertension.