Hypertension and Weightlifting

[Janale]

Hi,

1. Does Weightlifting contribute to hypertension?

2. Is 1 year of uncontrolled mild high blood pressure enough to cause mild LVH?

3. For bp, what is better, weighlifting or aerobics?

Thanks a bunch!

Randy

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

1. During weightlifting, the blood pressure can become dramatically elevated. This does not lead to high blood pressure at other times though.
2. No. Weightlifting can cause LVH though.
3. No question - aerobic exercise is much better for your blood pressure, and for your overall health.

[Randy]

Hi Doc,

You mentioned that Weightlifting can cause LVH. Would you be please more specific? What kind of weightlifting we are talking about? Mild, Moderate or Maximum?

About the mild bp, how long will it actually take it to cause at least mild LVH. I know I am asking for you to guess, but I bet your guess will be better than mine.

Also, can untreated high normal or borderline blood pressure
cause damage to some people?

Thank you very much. Really appreciated your comments.

Randy

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I am referring to competitive weightlifting.

I would not expect mild BP to cause LVH at all, and if it did, only after decades.

High normal blood pressure is certainly not desirable for people with diabetes. In otherwise healthy people, it is not as much a problem, though it would of course be better to have normal blood pressure.