I have recently been diagnosed with hypertension, and it looks like I will need to join others on medication to control it. It came a surprise since I do not smoke or drink, am not overweight, try to eat right, swim very regularly, and feel great. I guess this body is getting old and starting to break down!
I will assume some swimmers are using medication to control high blood pressure. Know of any issues with hypertension, medications, and swimming? What do I have to look forward to?
Hi Ray,
As gull80 says hypertension shouldn't interfere with your swimming. Exercise is important in controlling high blood pressure. There are many different medications for treatment. As Meg says, be sure to let your doctor know that you swim vigorously. Beta blockers are commonly used and do frequently interfere with the ability to train and/or race by limiting the maximum heart rate or by causing fatigue. ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers are better choices.
As long as your blood pressure is controlled, you should be fine with continuing to swim.
Jane
Hi Ray,
As gull80 says hypertension shouldn't interfere with your swimming. Exercise is important in controlling high blood pressure. There are many different medications for treatment. As Meg says, be sure to let your doctor know that you swim vigorously. Beta blockers are commonly used and do frequently interfere with the ability to train and/or race by limiting the maximum heart rate or by causing fatigue. ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers are better choices.
As long as your blood pressure is controlled, you should be fine with continuing to swim.
Jane
