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
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).
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).
