We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Strength Training Spikes Blood Pressure

yanick356
yanick356 Posts: 39 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have read several articles that states strength training decreases BP, but it is the opposite for me. While I jog every day, I havent been that consistent with the strength training-lift for a month, and quit for a month for the past year or so. Since I track my BP regularly, I notice spikes (about 30%) about 10 hours after lifting, especially if I go heavy, under 6 reps. And sure enough BP gradually lowers if I quit lifting over a couple of weeks and without spikes. Has anyone else experience this?

Replies

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Blood pressure goes up and down all day. My BP numbers are rock-solid normally but if I am straining in any way it shoots up.

    W0809a_web02a-1.jpg

    With weight lifting the muscles get micro-tears, right? And they will be in repair mode for the hours and days following with associated water retention I am guessing.
  • yanick356
    yanick356 Posts: 39 Member
    I understand about the fluctuations. Mine will go from 130/90 to 150/100 for upto an hour after lifting. Then it goes 170/115 10 hours later.
    My bp doesnt fluctuate as much as yours. Sitting or making dinner gives me a reading of 130/92. My diastolic never goes below 85 even lying in bed. And my systolic never above 170.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Oh, that's not mine! I scooped an example. I started my response giving the standard fluctuation explanation but then read further that your blood pressure stays up.

    So then I speculated it's water retention from muscle repair.
  • yanick356
    yanick356 Posts: 39 Member
    Oh I was gonna say its not normal to go from 118 sys to 200 without serious straining....I do think I have hydration issues. I am never thirsty!
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    edited March 2015
    yanick356 wrote: »
    I understand about the fluctuations. Mine will go from 130/90 to 150/100 for upto an hour after lifting. Then it goes 170/115 10 hours later.
    My bp doesnt fluctuate as much as yours. Sitting or making dinner gives me a reading of 130/92. My diastolic never goes below 85 even lying in bed. And my systolic never above 170.

    I hope you are seeing a dr? And getting a dr approved meal plan and exercise plan. These numbers are not normal. The 170/115 alone would be reason for a visit to the emergency room.
This discussion has been closed.