BP meds and training

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2009-12-06 3:15 PM

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Subject: BP meds and training
My Dr has put me on hydrochlorothiazide and, now, Altace. Both meds recommend avoiding strenuous exercise. I am a healthy ( or so i thought, but you can't beat genetics ) 47 year old female, in her 3rd year of tris. I am, also, a registered nurse.
Is anyone out there currently training successfully while on antihypertensives?
Any input is greatly appreciated because if I have to give up my training/racing, I will be miserable...

Edited by paytash 2009-12-06 3:28 PM

2009-12-06 7:58 PM
in reply to: #2545221

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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
I take 10 mg Norvasc and 40 mg Lisinopril, which I think are ace inhibitors.  I have no problems training while taking them.  The doc knows what I do and has not cautioned me in anyway.  Years ago he had me on a beta blocker.  I could not train while on them. That's when he put me on the above.  I don't think I will ever be able to get of off the medicine.  I'm just cursed with hbp unless I'm on medication.  I was first diagnosed when I was 28, I'm now 52. Have you talked to the Doc about your training?  Maybe after you get it under control he can switch you to something else.
2009-12-06 8:26 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training

I hear you about genetics. I have been on BP meds for about 10 years.  Am now 48 and am on Avalide HCT.  My doctor knows my activity level and encourages it.  The HCT is, I think, the same med you are on. The only problem I have is a tendency to become dehydrated more quickly due to HCT's diuretic effect, but other than that it hasn't slowed me down. 

Like the poster above, I was on beta blockers for a while and those did not work out at all.  I don't know what Altace is, but the HCT should not slow you down any.

Good luck, once you get used to the meds, I doubt you will have any problems and you definitely should not have to stop training and racing.

2009-12-06 9:15 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
Thank you both. I am encouraged!
2009-12-06 9:21 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
I'm on hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril and Cardizem (very high dosages).  Been training like crazy.  Doc's all know about this and tell me to keep up the good work and that they have never seen a kidney transplant patient with this much determination.  The only thing I've experienced was a DROP in my blood pressure because of the level of fitness I'm doing, which the docs again told me they might take me off one or two or even lower my dosages. 

2009-12-07 11:13 AM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training

TeamAngel - 2009-12-06 9:21 PM ...was a DROP in my blood pressure because of the level of fitness I'm doing, which the docs again told me they might take me off one or two or even lower my dosages. 

Congratulations, that's fantastic!

2009-12-08 12:48 AM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
If you are otherwise healthy you will be able to exercise moderately. ARB's, Ace Inhibitors  and Calcium Channel Blockers all have side effects you should monitor, particularly for heart rate and fluid retention. As long as you continue to keep those arteries clear and the heart healthy (and I think tris are a great way to do it) you should be fine. Beta blockers are the limiting drug in sports, so if you can stay off them you will be way ahead. I know many athletes on BB's but  only one that still competes close to the level they did before; he's either the most tenacious nutbar around or has some incredilbe genes. I suspect you also have blood work done regularly.

  Well done- it sounds like you are handling things well. A good diet is the other big deal with this and it also helps the tri deal as well.

Good luck- I probably didn't tell you one thing you didn't already know, did I?

      Blair                   
2009-12-12 10:09 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
Well, funny thing. I've been on the Altace (Ramipril) for over a week and I actually feel much better when I run...I guess my high BP was affecting me more than I cared to acknowledge. No major side effects other than some fatigue. Thanks for everyone's input.
2009-12-12 10:40 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training
paytash - 2009-12-13 12:09 AM Well, funny thing. I've been on the Altace (Ramipril) for over a week and I actually feel much better when I run...I guess my high BP was affecting me more than I cared to acknowledge. No major side effects other than some fatigue. Thanks for everyone's input.


That's great news. Keep up the good work and it will only get better!

   Blair

 
2009-12-13 7:46 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training

that is great news! I've been active my whole life...been on Benicar now for 2 years at 33.  My Dad was on the BP meds since he was 25, mom since she was 45.  Ahhhh, I love genetics.

You are not alone!  Hopefully you're one of the ones that CAN change your diet and/or exercise level to improve it.

 

 

2010-01-07 3:41 PM
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Subject: RE: BP meds and training

I suffered a mild heart attack at 29 years old (genetics suck sometimes- I had the young doctors in the ER absolutely baffled since I was young and in good shape.)  I'm now 36 and have been doing tris (sprints) for 3 years.  I have signed up for my first HIM in Galveston this April.  I have been on aspirin, altace, folbee, toprol, lipitor, and zetia since the "incident."  I recently got my doc to lower the dosage of the toprol.  I have never really felt any "side effects" from any of the meds.  My goal would be to off the meds completely with a healthy diet and my training.  However, I don't see that ever happening.  So, I will continue to train, eat healthy, and stay on the meds with the hopes they will keep me in good health and allow me to still do my best in my training and and my races.

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