The Hidden Health Metric Impacting Men’s Performance

When it comes to fitness, it’s easy to focus on what we can see: our weight on the bar, our running splits, or the progress we’re making towards hitting personal bests. But there’s one number you might be overlooking: blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) often comes with no symptoms. You can be living with it and not even know. In fact, 56 percent of Australians with high blood pressure are unaware they have it. Men, in particular, have a higher prevalence of hypertension. They are more likely to develop high blood pressure earlier, and less likely to know it, leaving it untreated and unchecked. 

With 60 percent of Australians leaving their blood pressure unchecked, it’s clear that hypertension is commonly overlooked. What’s more, when unmanaged, it puts unnecessary strain on your heart and blood vessels, impacting your cardiovascular and vascular health. 

Your Heart’s Got a Secret Weapon

We train various muscle groups throughout the week, but the heart is the hardest working muscle of them all. And, like any muscle, it needs fuel to perform at its best.

That’s where mitochondria come in. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of our cells generating energy (Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP for short). Mitochondria fuel everything your body does, and they rely on a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body called ubiquinol. However, as we age and expose our bodies to oxidative stress, our ubiquinol levels decline. Research has shown this may impact our blood vessel (the endothelium) and cardiovascular health.

Supporting ubiquinol levels may assist mitochondrial function, helping the body produce energy more efficiently as well as cardiovascular health. It can also help relieve fatigue, support exercise recovery and assist with maintaining physical capacity over time.

How to Keep Your Heart in the Game

Supporting your overall cardiovascular health doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change. A few simple habits can make all the difference:

1. Train Consistently: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. Walking, cycling, or strength training all supports circulation, metabolism, and heart health.

2. Fuel Wisely: Eating nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and energise your cells.

3. Sleep Smart: Recovery happens during quality sleep. Also, early morning sunlight on your eyeballs can set you up for a good night’s sleep at night. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night in a cool, dark room and avoid screens before bed.

4. Manage Stress: Stress elevates cortisol levels, impacting your cardiovascular health. Find ways to relax throughout the day to lower blood pressure and support your heart health.Regular breathing practice can significantly lower your stress levels and improve your ability to manage stress and perform under pressure. 

5. Book a Quick Check: A blood pressure test takes less time than a warm-up. And it could change your health game.

This World Hypertension Day (17 May), get your blood pressure checked – don’t wait for a problem to arise. Remember, performance isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster; it’s about supporting your body from the inside-out. Pay close attention to how mitochondrial health and ubiquinol can play a role in supporting your heart health and remember to make smart choices when it comes to diet, exercise and your daily lifestyle routine.

Consult your healthcare practitioner for lifestyle and dietary protocols. 

Dr Lauren Burns PhD OAM OLY