Blood pressure question

WandaVaughn
WandaVaughn Posts: 420 Member
edited November 20 in Fitness and Exercise
In the last few years my blood pressure was in the 160's/90+'s. Was prescribed bp meds and have taken them to keep the numbers in a normal range. This year I've become active, am training for a HM, and have lost 55+ pounds.

Lately I've been dizzy at weird times. Decided to check my bp. Today's morning reading (after a mug and a half of coffee and a 35 minute drive to work) was 92/66. pulse 56.

Question: is this a normal bp for a runner? Or could this be why I'm a little dizzy at times? Has anybody else had this problem? Should I call my doctor?

Replies

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    BP can be resolved with significant weight loss.
    You now are at risk of low BP, which explains the episodes of dizziness.
    This happened to me too and I negotiated myself off the pills as long as I promised to keep taking my blood pressure regularly.

    Congratulations!

    In my experience the increased cardiovascular health from running lowered my heart rate. Not the same thing but also good.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Don't D/C your meds on your own, but call doctor ASAP. If this is real change, then this is a side benefit of regular exercise. Exercise does not lower BP for everyone, but can be very helpful for some, esp if weight loss also. This is what you hope will happen, but the transition can be a little disconcerting while your meds are readjusted.
  • Noreenmarie1234
    Noreenmarie1234 Posts: 7,492 Member
    Normal. Mine is always around 90/60 and pulse 40-60.
  • Okiludy
    Okiludy Posts: 558 Member
    I was in very similar position. The doctor last week had to cut my medicine in half because it was over what I needed. I agree with others go to doc and see if you are ready for a lower dose.
  • pinuplove
    pinuplove Posts: 12,871 Member
    Congratulations on your improved health!! Even lowering your dose is a great victory :smiley:
  • vegaspack
    vegaspack Posts: 30 Member
    Surprising that your doctor didn't evaluate your pressure after losing the weight. I guess anything to keep people on medications and coming back to the clinic.
  • xvolution
    xvolution Posts: 721 Member
    If the systolic pressure (first number) ever drops below 100, then it's hypotension. It commonly happens after losing a lot of weight while on BP meds (I had lost 50 pounds recently and now I often get standing hypotension). Congrats on getting your numbers down.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,301 Member
    I suggest you visit your doctor because you have probably changed the amount of medication you now require. You will probably need advice on your way forward. Some people find they are able to go without medication when they are within a normal or better weight range. Congratulations on your weight loss and moving into a healthier you.
  • __TMac__
    __TMac__ Posts: 1,669 Member
    Congratulations! That's great news!
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I am opposed to all medication unless it is absolutely necessary. To me all have side effects so if you can keep up the good work and get it under control I would tell the doctor that your goal is to eventually get off the meds.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,301 Member
    Unfortunately it is not always possible to lower one's blood pressure naturally. Many are against a functional approach, seeing this as not scientific enough because it supplements with minerals, vitamins and what ever else it is deamed they require.
  • npane
    npane Posts: 22 Member
    See your physician ASAP!! You may need to decrease your BP mess. WIth weight loss and increased exercise I have significantly lower blood pressure and have been able to eliminate 2 medications.
  • npane
    npane Posts: 22 Member
    Typo : BP meds.
  • kCalCrusher
    kCalCrusher Posts: 54 Member
    My Doctor still takes mine in the office but makes changes in meds based on home readings. It's becoming more and more common for Doctors to verify your machine is accurate then going off of home numbers. Makes sense to me! Keep up the good work!!
  • jw17695
    jw17695 Posts: 438 Member
    WandaVaughn wrote: »
    Spoke to the doc this morning. I'll be cutting the pills in half and monitoring those results. I'd love to drop them all together. We'll see.

    That is so wonderful. I just started on BP meds last week. You are giving me hope. :)
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    WandaVaughn wrote: »
    Spoke to the doc this morning. I'll be cutting the pills in half and monitoring those results. I'd love to drop them all together. We'll see.

    Congrats! Reducing the dose and home monitoring is the way to go, and getting off the meds completely may be in your future.

    I love doctors who listen to their patients needs.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Well done Wanda! :flowerforyou:
  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
    I'm not diagnosed nor on medication, but I self-monitor using my wife's machine at home. Recently my top number has been dipping in to the 90s and I wondered if it was too much exercise or eating too well since adopting the MFP lifestyle.
  • BeccaLoves2lift
    BeccaLoves2lift Posts: 375 Member
    TonyB0588 wrote: »
    I'm not diagnosed nor on medication, but I self-monitor using my wife's machine at home. Recently my top number has been dipping in to the 90s and I wondered if it was too much exercise or eating too well since adopting the MFP lifestyle.

    Low 90s is normal for a lot of people. If you're not dizzy then don't worry about it.
  • Aerona85
    Aerona85 Posts: 159 Member
    My "normal", even at 244 pounds, is low 90s over low 60s. I can't stand up fast or I get dizzy, but otherwise I am fine. I think everyone's body varies with BP.
  • tanny20171
    tanny20171 Posts: 46 Member
    WandaVaughn wrote: »
    In the last few years my blood pressure was in the 160's/90+'s. Was prescribed bp meds and have taken them to keep the numbers in a normal range. This year I've become active, am training for a HM, and have lost 55+ pounds.

    Lately I've been dizzy at weird times. Decided to check my bp. Today's morning reading (after a mug and a half of coffee and a 35 minute drive to work) was 92/66. pulse 56.

    Question: is this a normal bp for a runner? Or could this be why I'm a little dizzy at times? Has anybody else had this problem? Should I call my doctor?
    WandaVaughn wrote: »
    In the last few years my blood pressure was in the 160's/90+'s. Was prescribed bp meds and have taken them to keep the numbers in a normal range. This year I've become active, am training for a HM, and have lost 55+ pounds.

    Lately I've been dizzy at weird times. Decided to check my bp. Today's morning reading (after a mug and a half of coffee and a 35 minute drive to work) was 92/66. pulse 56.

    Question: is this a normal bp for a runner? Or could this be why I'm a little dizzy at times? Has anybody else had this problem? Should I call my doctor?



    As above, your meds need to be reviews and maybe weaned off as your blood pressure will likely have normalised with your weight loss. Dropping as little as 10% body weight can lower blood pressure and our risk of metabolic disease.
    Heart rate and blood pressure are very individual, I'm a hospital RN and generally we would act on a systolic blood pressure of 92 (give fluids, cell expanders etc). And I would definitely be seeking medical advice instead of administering anti hypertensives to someone with a systolic of 92. Saying that for a healthy younger person lower blood pressure and pulse is entirely normal and as long as you're asypmtomatic is protective from things like metabolic disease. I'd discuss with your doctor asap. Good luck :)
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