12 replies to this topic

[Just tri it]

Hi all,

I went for a fitness assessment yesterday and they noted my blood pressure was on the low side- 106/67.  they asked if I'd had any fainting, dizziness or light headedness and I said no, then today at work I was feeling a bit dizzy and light headed and I realised that I got that feeling quite often, but previously thought nothing of it.

I'm 23, and every other time I've had my blood pressure tested it's been pretty much perfect- 120/80.

I'll obviously go to the doc sometime in the near future to get a full check up, but in the meantime- would there be any problem with exercising if I'm getting this??

I'm going to running in about 5 minutes (should get ready soon...), and I'll see if I get it while running (once again, never really noticed when I get it).  Can you envisage any problems with cycling, swimming or anything like that??

cheers

[astro]

JTI,
I also have low blood pressure (85/55 - and I'm the same age as you too, 23 -almost!) and was told by my Dr to drink plenty of fluids as a small change in hydration levels can cause dizziness/fainting, particularly when exercising. Be wary of too many caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you, and alcohol - if you're anything like me, half a glass of wine and you're about to faint anyway!!   :)    
So, really, just make sure you drink lots of water/non-caffeinated drinks during the day (I was told to double what I would normally drink!!) and stay hydrated whilst exercising and you should be right.    :D  

Elf    B)

[Suzy]

I also have low blood pressure & have experienced periods of dizzness/light headedness particularly when exercising. I've usually put it down to low blood sugar (I wonder if there's any connection?) & to combat this I make sure I have something to eat before exercising & take a sports drink to sip on for sessions lasting more than 1 hour.

[DrJH]

You're better off with a lowish blood pressure. 120/80 is the 'average', but with cardiovascular problems so prevalent in our society, being average isn't that good. Slightly low is better than average and you'll be better off for it.

[bear]

I'm a personal trainer & also have low bp....after a run today it was 95/65..
It has always been low..
I believe you are better off having low bp than high bp & thats what I look for when doing fitness assesments

[tim]

I have low BP which seems to be from my mother's side of the family and they all live to an grand old age so I reckon that sounds good to me.

When my wife was pregnant she had high BP so we bought a arm band thing to measure it and I did my own a few times.  I noticed that when I felt low and tired my BP was way down (usually in the afternoon) but a run soon perked me up again.

So I would imagine that running would temporarily raise BP.

I was wondering does low blood pressure go with a low heart rate?

tim

[courtlylove]

While I have not (yet) measured my heart rate during or after exercise I do have a low resting heart rate (48) however, in the past I have had some high blood pressure problems (145/95), always with the low HR. The two do not seem to be isolated.

I also know someone who has a low BP (90/65) and who exercises quite strenuously - no apparent problems.

[courtlylove]

Sorry - that should read 'the two seem to be isolated'!

Duh!

[SMC]

My resting heart rate was clocked at 33bpm which sent the doctor into a real tailspin. He ordered me to have a heart scan that revealed absolutley nothing unusual. My blood pressure was last measued at 120/67. I wonder how much of this is genetic?

SMC

[ashima]

My blood pressure has always been low, around 110/65, but over the past 3 months it has consistently been mid 80s systolic. I measure it weekly and last measure was 84/65. I drink plenty of water and my heart rate is normal. I have increased my weekly mileage during the last 3 months to approximately 80-100km per week. Is this normal for runners as they increase their mileage and endurance? I feel great and at age 45 am the fittest and healthiest and have the most energy i have ever had in my life! Any one else experience BP this low, and should i see a GP?

[southy]

I have lbp. The only time I have trouble running is at the end of a race. I must not stop suddenly. Keep moving for a few minutes. Once I stumbled, just tripped at the flinish line. When I went to try to get up quickly to get out of the way of other finishers, I passed out. A few minutes lying on my back in the medical tent & I was good as new, but it did give others around me a bit of a fright. I have been told to drink plenty , eat healthy (which I mostly do) & do not restrict my salt intake. My Mother & Grandmother both had lbp too &  have lived well past 90. My mother is now 94. So must be ok.
I also experience it when I get up suddenly after lying down, just a bit dizzy sometimes but nothing to worry about.
One other time I do have problems is if I am vommitting. I will usually pass out as well. Must never vomit in toilet bowl! (Use a bucket!)

[Jason M]

 ashima, on 22 January 2013 - 07:51 AM, said:

My blood pressure has always been low, around 110/65, but over the past 3 months it has consistently been mid 80s systolic. I measure it weekly and last measure was 84/65. I drink plenty of water and my heart rate is normal. I have increased my weekly mileage during the last 3 months to approximately 80-100km per week. Is this normal for runners as they increase their mileage and endurance? I feel great and at age 45 am the fittest and healthiest and have the most energy i have ever had in my life! Any one else experience BP this low, and should i see a GP?

First up I'll say if you have any concerns it might not be ok, then see a doctor and get check properly.

Next, I wonder why there is a need to check your BP weekly. The automatic BP machines are notorious for being inaccurate. 84/65 is on the low side of normal, but there can be individual variance. More important would be the reasons why your BP is what it is.

All of the above just leads back to getting checked out properly. See a doctor you trust. If there's no issue, I still think peace of mind is worth the time taken.

[Rafferty]

 Jason M, on 23 January 2013 - 06:46 AM, said:

Next, I wonder why there is a need to check your BP weekly. The automatic BP machines are notorious for being inaccurate. 84/65 is on the low side of normal, but there can be individual variance.

I bought from this mob.

The UA851 is the same machine used by many GP's.

Only $30 or $40 more than the common brands found at chemists.

Accurate enought to indicate a problem.