Weight lifting and high blood pressure/heart disease?

jarablue

Hi everyone. Hope everybodys Thursday turns out to be a good one. I wanted to start weight lifting. Though there is a history of heart disease in my family and I have high blood pressure. Would it be ok to start a regimen like stronglifts or just general weight lifting? I have been holding off on a membership to anytime fitness due to this very reason. I know I have to see my primary care doctor about this but have people done this before without any injury?

I went from 328 to 226 and my goal weight is 185. Still have about 41 pounds to lose and I know my heart will be that much better off then it is now with those 41 pounds still on me. But should I lose the weight first and get down to 185 to give my heart a better chance at lifting at 185 rather than 226?

Ok everyone thanks for the help. MFP is 50% the reason I lost the weight. This place is so motivating. Thank you all

psuLemon

Weight training is great your skeletal system and health; increase muscle retention (higher metabolic functions, stronger body, helps prevents osteoporosis, etc..). And I would think it would be highly beneficial to you.

If you start a workout like SL or whatever, just take your time and learn the form and start light. Even consider getting a trainer for a few sessions.

LKArgh

You need to figure out whether you have a problem with your heart or not. I have mitral valve prolapse. I am not allowed to lift to failure, although I am allowed to lift in general. This is a question for a cardiologist.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

My husband had high BP, family history of heart disease and lifts with me 4x/week. He is sensible about it - if he has had a particularly stressful day and knows his BP is elevated from that, we don't lift or he lifts a little lighter than normal. If he starts getting dizzy, he stops his workout and just spots for me.

You can definitely do it, but you have to really be attuned to your body. Good luck!