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
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.
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.
