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
I am 56,6"2/205lbs. and about 5 years ago I was diagnosed with level 1 hypertension. I was always a fit person and not overweight (at the time I weighed about 195lbs.). However, I was the only person in my nuclear family who did not have high blood pressure. My doc said that after 50 alot of things change in one's body and the genetic factor had kicked in to a higher degree. He guessed that my physical activity over the years may have prevented hypertension from developing earlier.
My blood pressure was around 160/100 and I was given medication. There was a period of experimentation and I now take atenolol 25mg. twice a day and my bp is fine (120-130/80-85).
In many cases, hypertension goes hand in hand with bad cholesterol readings. In my case, I had high triglycerides. Also, I had high bad cholesterol. On the other hand, due to my physical activity, I had high good cholesterol. My doc said that this is rare. So I also take two different pills to lower my tri levels (bezafibrate 400mg. in the morning and simvastatin 40mg. in the evening).
From everything I have read, the genetic factor is very crucial. Therefore the chances are that once prescribed, the meds will become part of your life. At first this bothered me because I was always healthy and had never taken meds. Over time I got used to it and began thinking of it in another way: not too long ago high bp was a life threatening situation but with medication we can all continue living. BTW, I feel no side effects from my meds.
I recently asked my doc what would happen if I dropped 15lbs. He said that I would probably be 190lbs. with hypertension.
As to physical activity: after swimming, bp drops but after a few hours goes back up. As to weight lifting - everything I have read indicates that heavy lifting is counter indicated for trainees with hypertension (there are many powerlifters with high bp). I strength train with more of a strength - endurance emphasis (circuit training).
Finally, I would like to state that I suggest that one be very careful with stopping conventional medical treatment in favor of all kinds "natural" treatments. High bp can be fatal.
I am 56,6"2/205lbs. and about 5 years ago I was diagnosed with level 1 hypertension. I was always a fit person and not overweight (at the time I weighed about 195lbs.). However, I was the only person in my nuclear family who did not have high blood pressure. My doc said that after 50 alot of things change in one's body and the genetic factor had kicked in to a higher degree. He guessed that my physical activity over the years may have prevented hypertension from developing earlier.
My blood pressure was around 160/100 and I was given medication. There was a period of experimentation and I now take atenolol 25mg. twice a day and my bp is fine (120-130/80-85).
In many cases, hypertension goes hand in hand with bad cholesterol readings. In my case, I had high triglycerides. Also, I had high bad cholesterol. On the other hand, due to my physical activity, I had high good cholesterol. My doc said that this is rare. So I also take two different pills to lower my tri levels (bezafibrate 400mg. in the morning and simvastatin 40mg. in the evening).
From everything I have read, the genetic factor is very crucial. Therefore the chances are that once prescribed, the meds will become part of your life. At first this bothered me because I was always healthy and had never taken meds. Over time I got used to it and began thinking of it in another way: not too long ago high bp was a life threatening situation but with medication we can all continue living. BTW, I feel no side effects from my meds.
I recently asked my doc what would happen if I dropped 15lbs. He said that I would probably be 190lbs. with hypertension.
As to physical activity: after swimming, bp drops but after a few hours goes back up. As to weight lifting - everything I have read indicates that heavy lifting is counter indicated for trainees with hypertension (there are many powerlifters with high bp). I strength train with more of a strength - endurance emphasis (circuit training).
Finally, I would like to state that I suggest that one be very careful with stopping conventional medical treatment in favor of all kinds "natural" treatments. High bp can be fatal.
