High Blood Pressure and Exercise

[Jim Couch]

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed with mild LVH and Hypertesnsion. I am 26 and otherwise in good health. I don't drink and smoke. I have a pretty active life with a 304 hours of workout each week. Here are my questions:

1. I know that Hypertesnsion causes LVH, but wondering if it is the vice versa?
2. Does LVH induce palpitations?

3. Over the 4-year period I have gained about 25-30 pounds. My ideal weight should be around 142-146lbs. Right now I am about 165. Is the weight problem here?

4. Also, after workout I have found that my bp stays higher for 30 minutes or so. After 30 minutes it starts to cool down and come back to normal? What is  the actual resting period after workout?

5. How dangerous mild to modarate LVH is? How can the heart muscle be regressed?

6. Finally, my right arm bp is usually highr 10-15 points  than that of my of left arm. Is it usual? I have heard that right arm bp is normally higher than left arm?

Thank you for you reply. This is great site. Please keep up the good work. It makes me proud to see guys like you doing this invaluable service. Good bless your heart!

Jim

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

     1. I know that Hypertesnsion causes LVH, but wondering if it is the vice versa?
A: No, LVH is a result of something, either high blood pressure, in persons who are very atheletic or in persons with congenital heart problems.


     2. Does LVH induce palpitations?
A: Not generally.

     3. Over the 4-year period I have gained about 25-30 pounds. My ideal weight should be around 142-146lbs.
     Right now I am about 165. Is the weight problem here?
A: Probably not but your doctor can tell you what your ideal weight should be.

     4. Also, after workout I have found that my bp stays higher for 30 minutes or so. After 30 minutes it starts to cool
     down and come back to normal? What is the actual resting period after workout?
A: This is normal.

     5. How dangerous mild to modarate LVH is? How can the heart muscle be regressed?
A: Not 'dangerous' per se but something that needs attention.  Some medications may help reduce heart size.

     6. Finally, my right arm bp is usually highr 10-15 points than that of my of left arm. Is it usual? I have heard that
     right arm bp is normally higher than left arm?
A: One possiblity is what is called a "co-arctation of the aorta" this can usually be picked up on a echocardiogram if it is looked for.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Blood pressure during exercise can normally reach as high as 240/110 with a drop following exercise.

[Jim]

What would the normal blood pressure be during aerobic workouts at 80% of mhr in average 45 year old males?Thank you.Jim

[Mike Anderson]

Thanks for asking the question.  I have almost identical symptoms but not diagnosed until age 48.  I look forward to the response.

I agree this is a great site!

Mike

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Hope you found the info useful.