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Is It Safe To Do High Intensity Aerobic Exercises When Diagnosed With High BP?
Question: Hi. I am a 63 year old male and was diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years ago. I currently take 4mg perindopril daily and my blood pressure settled at about 140/90. A review yesterday showed it had increased to 165/100 and my Doctor suggested I check it daily and report back in one month. Last night, 1 hour after high intensity aerobic exercise it had dropped to 113/73, first thing this morning was 141/85 yet lunch time had risen to 180/104. I am otherwise healthy. 5'5", 140 pounds, 8% body-fat, good cholesterol ratio, non smoker, low alcohol.
My question relates to exercise. Historically I have done 3 or 4 sessions of high intensity aerobic exercise per week with each session 30 to 45 minutes duration. My average heart rate for each session is usually 145 to 150 and maximum 165 to 170. I feel no stress at these levels, suffer no after effects and recover very quickly. Resting heart rate about 45. High intensity workouts are what I have done for a number of years and include the Insanity home workouts which I always cope well with. I really don't really want to change the intensity levels. Do you think i am taking unnecessary risks training at this level considering my high blood pressure? Many thanks, XXXXXXX
My question relates to exercise. Historically I have done 3 or 4 sessions of high intensity aerobic exercise per week with each session 30 to 45 minutes duration. My average heart rate for each session is usually 145 to 150 and maximum 165 to 170. I feel no stress at these levels, suffer no after effects and recover very quickly. Resting heart rate about 45. High intensity workouts are what I have done for a number of years and include the Insanity home workouts which I always cope well with. I really don't really want to change the intensity levels. Do you think i am taking unnecessary risks training at this level considering my high blood pressure? Many thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Keep going on the right way!
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and I am glad t oassure you that your exercise training programe is harmless regarding your high BP issue.
I would even encourage you to keep on training with your usula intensity, as physical activity is actually proven to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, and blood circulation. It may improve blood vessels elasticity, improve your chronotropic response, lower blood lipid, circulating catecholamines, free superoxid and acid radical, your body fat, and improve your overall endurance, and your antihypertensive medication response, etc.
There is no risk to train under a supervised scheduled program. So, keep going like that.
I would advice to follow strictly your doctor's recommendations, and closely monitor your BP values frequently; to report them to him, and draw the right conclusion about the ongoing therapy.
At, the end, I would conclude that you are on the right way of avoiding all the common cardiovascular risk factors. Congratulations!
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Keep going on the right way!
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and I am glad t oassure you that your exercise training programe is harmless regarding your high BP issue.
I would even encourage you to keep on training with your usula intensity, as physical activity is actually proven to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, and blood circulation. It may improve blood vessels elasticity, improve your chronotropic response, lower blood lipid, circulating catecholamines, free superoxid and acid radical, your body fat, and improve your overall endurance, and your antihypertensive medication response, etc.
There is no risk to train under a supervised scheduled program. So, keep going like that.
I would advice to follow strictly your doctor's recommendations, and closely monitor your BP values frequently; to report them to him, and draw the right conclusion about the ongoing therapy.
At, the end, I would conclude that you are on the right way of avoiding all the common cardiovascular risk factors. Congratulations!
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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