I did a search on hypertension on this site so it seems like I'm am not alone here and there is quite a resource to draw from. So perhaps I can get some idea what I am looking at with my situation.
I'm only 34, started swimming again nearly a year ago. Partly because I new I had high blood pressure, but mostly I started swimming for overall health and fitness benifits. Since then I have lost roughly 30 pounds. At 6'2" I now weigh about 200 pounds. I would expect that all this work would have some impact on my blood pressure. Especially since I rarely drink, and my diet isn't terrible. I generally eat healthy meals. But the sad truth is that it hasn't changed. Nearly a year ago my BP was 140 over 100. This week... The same. Absolutely no change!!! As a result, my doctor put me on Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor. So naturally I concerned about a few things.
1. Does this mean I will be taking BP medication for the rest of my life?
2. How will this impact my swimming/ability to train? is there a better medication that I should ask about so there are not adverse effects?
3. Do I need to start taking things easier in the pool?
4. Since I have a family history of hypertension does this mean there is really nothing I can do aside from medication?
5. Anything else I need to be concerned about?
Thanks in advance for any advice or helpful comments.
Kevin
Former Member
There is a cardiologist on this forum but I will leave it up to him to chime in if he feels it's appropriate.
Are you under a lot of stress with life in general? Are you getting your BP taken immediately after a workout?
A second opinion from another MD would be a good idea but use caution when getting information about your health on the internet.
Good luck with your heart health.
About 2 years ago I had very high blood pressure as well (145/95 was common), and my doctor put me on hydrochlorothyzine (something like that). It is supposed to relieve excess fluids, meaning you have to pee more often.
After the first 6+ months on the meds with little other change (still swimming 5x week), my blood pressure was almost exactly the same.
However, last April (2005) I began weight training, then in Oct begin some short runs (maybe 3 miles 3x week). The weight training alone brought the blood pressure down to something in the 130s over 80s. The running brought it down even more, sometimes near normal or even lower blood pressure (has been 120/70 at times).
Lastly, I got myself a scale that also measures body fat. I was amazed how high my body fat was, 24%+. With the weights and especially running, it is now down around 18%. My actual weight has dropped slightly (5 lbs or less).
Yes, I'm still taking the medicine. It is just 1/2 a pill a day, something like 12.5 milligrams.
I swim M-F in the mornings. I usually will run 3x week now 2 evenings and Sunday when it is convenient. Over the week I do 1 longer run (6-8 miles) and 2 shorter (3-6 miles each). My pace is not fast, an 8-9 minute mile (a far cry from my Army days). I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up the running when the heat really kicks in, but it has been nice so far. It is entirely flat, there's a canal near my house (a working canal) with trails on the sides. I got very bad shin splints when I was in the Army from the running in formation (group) and up/down hills, I don't plan to do a marathon so the slow/flat works well for me.
I ran on Tues when I got home from work, the temp was in the mid-90s but a light breeze, some shade, and it felt good, about 4 miles. I jumped in my backyard pool when I got home.
There's some houses for sale in my neighborhood....
Some days there's lots of people out on the canal, bikers, other runners, walkers, people walking dogs, people with strollers/carriages, etc. Our local police patrol too, on bikes.
I did ask my doctor the last time about the medicine, and she said to keep taking it. The way she said it made me think I'd be taking it indefinitely...
Originally posted by scyfreestyler
There is a cardiologist on this forum but I will leave it up to him to chime in if he feels it's appropriate.
Are you under a lot of stress with life in general? Are you getting your BP taken immediately after a workout?
A second opinion from another MD would be a good idea but use caution when getting information about your health on the internet.
Good luck with your heart health.
The BP test was mid day and I usually work out in the evenings. As for stress, I think I am normal in that regard.
Diet wise, I do drink coffee once a day and have a bit of a sweet tooth. But I don't over do it.
As for info over the internet. Any advice I get I will certainly double check with my doctor. And I do have a close friend who is also a doctor that I will talk with on with as well. I am mainly concerned with the impact it will have on swimming and training and what others with similar problems have experienced.
Kevin
I gotcha. My doctor offered me some Beta Blockers to help with heart palpitations but since he said it was not a neccesity I declined because I was unsure of what impact it might have on my swimming.
I am curious to see what kind of answers you get.
I take Renedil 5mg and Altase 10mg once a day. I had 160 or 170 over 120 for years. I had all kinds of diferent meds and for me this combination works great I am 123 over 70 now.
AZTimm,
Are you still taking medication as well or has that stopped?
I was considering jogging in the mornings or switch to swimming in the mornings and then jog in the evenings to see if that would help.
Kevin
Originally posted by aztimm
I ran on Tues when I got home from work, the temp was in the mid-90s but a light breeze, some shade, and it felt good, about 4 miles. I jumped in my backyard pool when I got home.
Ahh...This makes me want to look up Realtor.Com in Scottsdale again.
