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
Parents
Former Member
I started swimming after 23 years off and learned six months later I had VERY high blood pressure. I didn't learn about it until I tried to change my life insurance. My BP at the office was about 200/100 at the first visit. I was immediately put on meds and told to relax for a few days (over a holiday weekend). I was a bit heavy at the time (5'8 and 185, but reasonably strong). My diet was not/is not awful but my activity level was not good. And there was stress at work (still is). Doc adjusted my BP medication two weeks later and it turns out I also have high cholesterol.
Worth noting that I admit I didn't have a physical for 15 years.
I take Lotrel every day now. BP holds steady at 130/80 and also take Lipitor.
As a precaution last year I had two stress tests, including the nuclear version. Passed completely.
I swim 12,000 yds a week and race 4-5 times a year. I lost 15 lbs and made slight adjustments to diet. I feel pretty darn good now.
I started swimming after 23 years off and learned six months later I had VERY high blood pressure. I didn't learn about it until I tried to change my life insurance. My BP at the office was about 200/100 at the first visit. I was immediately put on meds and told to relax for a few days (over a holiday weekend). I was a bit heavy at the time (5'8 and 185, but reasonably strong). My diet was not/is not awful but my activity level was not good. And there was stress at work (still is). Doc adjusted my BP medication two weeks later and it turns out I also have high cholesterol.
Worth noting that I admit I didn't have a physical for 15 years.
I take Lotrel every day now. BP holds steady at 130/80 and also take Lipitor.
As a precaution last year I had two stress tests, including the nuclear version. Passed completely.
I swim 12,000 yds a week and race 4-5 times a year. I lost 15 lbs and made slight adjustments to diet. I feel pretty darn good now.
