Blood pressure and blood flow?

Question

I am taking medication for high blood pressure. I am in training for and about to compete in a marathon. I know a lot out there would say 'don't do it'. But if I did, does my medication significanly impare my endurance capabality ? Am thinking of not taking the pills to obtain benefits from better blood flow. Will resume the medication after the marathon event.

Answer 1

Well, I'd check with yoru doctor about how the medication can "hinder" your training and running. but DONT STOP TAKING YOUR BP tabs. Exercise can cause you BP to rise and you're taking the meds for a reason. NOT taking your pilss, do "get a better time" may cause you to visit the hospital, and NOT as a visitor but as a guest in a bed. Talk to your physician.

Answer 2

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers — the systolic pressure (as the heart beats and pumps blood through the arteries) and the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The systolic number is written first, or on top, and the diastolic number is written second, or on the bottom. A blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed as “120 over 80.” Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. If your heart stopped beating, your blood pressure would fall to zero. On the other hand, just because your heart rate goes up doesn't mean your blood pressure rises — at least not by the same amount. Even though your heart is beating more times a minute, healthy blood vessels dilate (get larger) to allow more blood to flow through more easily. When you exercise, your heart speeds up so the blood can reach your muscles. It is possible for your heart rate to double while your blood pressure only goes up a modest amount. Hope this answers your question. Great question by the way .

Answer 3

It is imparative that you discuss this with your doctor.
I am not worried about the marathon or your training for it, I am more concerned about you making a choice to not take your medication. You could set yourself up for a stroke or a heartattack

CALL YOU DOCTOR about this!

Answer 4

I have seen instances where people suffered major strokes or heart attacks just after stopping their blood pressure medication. I would advise you not to stop without talking to your doctor. And congratulations on working on the marathon!

Answer 5

It would help to know just which medications you are taking.

It could be more dangerous to not take them. Presumably you have been taking them whilst training, so you must know what effect they have on you.

You won't gain anything by winning the race and collapsing at the finish line. I'd err on the side of caution and take the meds any way. Alot of those meds depend on being taken at regular intervals..

Answer 6

My blood pressue can be real low, like 105/60, and i don't have a problem. I can lift heavy weoghts for 1&1/2 hours and it doesn't affect me in the least. But then again, everybody's different.

Answer 7

No, it increases it! Blood Pressure meds limit vasoconstriciton which means it helps open your blood vessels up, which means that your blood is able to carry oxygen to your tissues faster. Best of Luck with your marathon!
~kim