Need advice.. can't lift anymore

**Deon5** · 06-26-2013, 08:51 AM

I'm not sure where to post this but I guess this would be the best place.

The other day I go to the docter because I had a headache and I never get one.He tests my Bloodpressure and it was to high(140/100) for someone my age, 23. So he tells me to stop excercizing for a few weeks while he does other tests on me.

So I stop and go back after a few weeks. He tests m heart and bp and both are abnormal.My heart rate is irregular and my bloodpressure is stil high. He says it has to be because of the weight training because he ruled out everything else (I did a lot of other tests, kidney etc) and that I should stop. I'm only allowed to do cardio from now on.

It really sucks because I'm only 23, I don't drink, I've never used AAS, I eat healthy and I've been going to the gym for 4years 3-5 times a week. Now I have to give that up.

What should I do now?Without doing any weights I'll lose all the muscle and strenth I built in the last 4 years.What would any of you do in my situation?

Feel free to chime in.

D

**gixxerboy1** · 06-26-2013, 09:11 AM

Are you seeing a regular dr or cardiologist? I know people whp had heart attacks and still lift

**Deon5** · 06-26-2013, 09:19 AM

I saw a regular doctor and then a cardiologist.He told me to stop lifting. I also did a sonar on my kidneys and heart and I went for blood tests to test for kidney functions, redblood count, and a few other. All of them were normal. I also did a free test count, it came back normal. Kidney function were fine aswell.He putt me on a beta blocker for bp and irregular heartbeat.

**basketballfan22** · 06-26-2013, 09:27 AM

That is very bizarre. There are many studies that have shown weightlifting decreases blood pressure in the long-term. If you were getting tested immediately after lifting, then I would understand the temporary spike in blood pressure. The fact that it was still high after cessation of lifting makes me believe it is something else. High blood pressure can be genetic.

I am only 24, but for a few years my systolic blood pressure would register in the 140s (even in those cheap machines you find at supermarkets). Every time it would come out around 140/75, the nurses would attribute it to nervousness because they couldn't accept that a young man can have it. Now I would only get it checked once or twice a year because I never see doctors. Anyway, one day I get a nurse to check my blood pressure; and surprise, surprise, it is high again. He too refused to accept this. After I told him that it always happens, he tells me that my arms are on the cusp of being too large for the standard arm cuffs. He then switched it to a larger arm band, and voilà it came out normal. He assured me that if it had been too large, it wouldn't have registered anything. Those machines you find in supermarkets are also only designed for arms of certain sizes. What is funny though is when I get it checked in those now, my blood pressure comes out normal. Bizarre. Anyway, if you are worried, I would get a second opinion.

**gixxerboy1** · 06-26-2013, 09:29 AM

I agree i would get a second opinion. But for now i would listen to your dr and stop.
Sucks but its your health,
This is why i tell people to never give up friends or life for the gym. Anything can happen then you have nothing

**basketballfan22** · 06-26-2013, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by gixxerboy1

I agree i would get a second opinion. But for now i would listen to your dr and stop.
Sucks but its your health,
This is why i tell people to never give up friends or life for the gym. Anything can happen then you have nothing

True, but the doctors I would tell this to before were hesitant about putting me on drugs. They also knew about my lifting and told me that was a good thing. They asked me about my diet, stress levels, etc.; and I would tell them those are all fine. I know a diet high in sodium also increases blood pressure, but my sodium intake was relatively low. One's health should always be a priority though. As "bodybuilders" (I put that in quotes because I don't label myself one) though, we tend to prioritize vanity over health as long as it is not too extreme (e.g. a diet high in protein or AAS use).

**Deon5** · 06-26-2013, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by basketballfan22

That is very bizarre. There are many studies that have shown weightlifting decreases blood pressure in the long-term. If you were getting tested immediately after lifting, then I would understand the temporary spike in blood pressure. The fact that it was still high after cessation of lifting makes me believe it is something else. High blood pressure can be genetic.

I am only 24, but for a few years my systolic blood pressure would register in the 140s (even in those cheap machines you find at supermarkets). Every time it would come out around 140/75, the nurses would attribute it to nervousness because they couldn't accept that a young man can have it. Now I would only get it checked once or twice a year because I never see doctors. Anyway, one day I get a nurse to check my blood pressure; and surprise, surprise, it is high again. He too refused to accept this. After I told him that it always happens, he tells me that my arms are on the cusp of being too large for the standard arm cuffs. He then switched it to a larger arm band, and voilà it came out normal. He assured me that if it had been too large, it wouldn't have registered anything. Those machines you find in supermarkets are also only designed for arms of certain sizes. What is funny though is when I get it checked in those now, my blood pressure comes out normal. Bizarre. Anyway, if you are worried, I would get a second opinion.

I had the same problem, I checked my bp with 3 diffrent machines and the cusps barely fit. An0ther didn't fit at all. Maby I should use a larger one, it couldn't hurt. I called my dad, he is also a doctor.I sent him all the results and he agreed that it might be from the heavy lifting that could be the cause and that I should stop for now. For now I'm stopping the lifting and monitering my BP regularly.

**basketballfan22** · 06-26-2013, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

I had the same problem, I checked my bp with 3 diffrent machines and the cusps barely fit. An0ther didn't fit at all. Maby I should use a larger one, it couldn't hurt. I called my dad, he is also a doctor.I sent him all the results and he agreed that it might be from the heavy lifting that could be the cause and that I should stop for now. For now I'm stopping the lifting and monitering my BP regularly.

I am going for my Ph.D. in math, not my M.D., lol; so definitely listen to them. If every doctor and specialist keeps telling you it is the lifting, then I guess it is. Don't be afraid to question them though. In my experience doctors actually like it. It demonstrates that you are knowledgable and are taking the time to educate yourself on the matter. Bring up the fact that there are many studies that have shown lifting decreases blood pressure, so why do they think it can be the lifting. If you ask questions in a polite manner and demonstrate just a pure curiosity, doctors tend to respect you more and give you more in-depth diagnoses. Several times the doctors have even accused me of being a medical student because of my knowledge and questions I tend to always have whenever I visit a doctor, especially if it is for something in particular.

**tigerspawn** · 06-26-2013, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Deon5

He tests my Bloodpressure and it was to high(140/100) for someone my age, 23. So he tells me to stop excercizing for a few weeks while he does other tests on me.

A blood pressure of 140/100 is considered high hor anyone.

**austinite** · 06-26-2013, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by tigerspawn

A blood pressure of 140/100 is considered high hor anyone.

Sure is.

OP just do as the doc says until you figure out what's going on. Blood pressure is far more alarming than an irregular heartbeat, that actually isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

**Honkey_Kong** · 06-27-2013, 01:41 AM

140/100 is high, but it's not end-of-the-world high. And why didn't they start you on lisinopril or some other ACE inhibitor first? Basically if you can get your BP under control with meds, I don't see why you should stop lifting.

Also have you tried cleaning up your diet? I don't know what your eating habits are, but the common young adult's diet isn't typically very healthy.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 03:28 AM

Originally Posted by Honkey_Kong

140/100 is high, but it's not end-of-the-world high. And why didn't they start you on lisinopril or some other ACE inhibitor first? Basically if you can get your BP under control with meds, I don't see why you should stop lifting.

Also have you tried cleaning up your diet? I don't know what your eating habits are, but the common young adult's diet isn't typically very healthy.

Over the last week it was 140/100 most of the time but it did go as high as 160/100 the other day.As for my dieet, as soon as I saw my bp was high I stopped all caffiene intake.My sodium might be high but I'm doing some research on dieets for lowering bp and I've already started on that.

As for my heart the doctor says it's in great condition accept for the extra beats now and then.

Also I've been following a powerlifting program the last 2months and I haven't done enough cardio.I'm thinking adding a 30min cardio session 4 or 5 times a week could aid in getting it back to normal.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

Sure is.

OP just do as the doc says until you figure out what's going on. Blood pressure is far more alarming than an irregular heartbeat, that actually isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

Hopefully if I make a couple of lifestyle changes I'll still be able to lift.I was planning on taking 2 weeks of anyway coz I'm heading over toe Thailand for holiday the day after tomorow.So I'm hoping for the best when I get back.I'll be taking my bp monitor with me.

**crazy mike** · 06-27-2013, 03:43 AM

OP do you have a BP monitor, if not get one. Now my BP hoovers in 130-140/ over 85 and 100 is getting up there. Austin~ ~ is correct due what the MD says except if you watch it each day in the am pre-workout and post workout you will get an idea right off if the gym is doing you harm. The gym should not drive you BP up, and but I would pay a lot of attention , with the doc as to the irregular heart beat and is he talking about a murmur and leakage of a valve ) a prolapse valve) or just what is going on. You need to see a heat Doc not the GP or whom ever.

Sorry but we're not Doctors but you have not described at all what is going on IE: irregular beat ? Oh ad as someone pointed out 140/100 is not alarming yet. Good luck and get to a heart doc guy. Get a Cardiogram. ...crazy mike

ooops I see you have a BP monitor . cool

**Honkey_Kong** · 06-27-2013, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

Over the last week it was 140/100 most of the time but it did go as high as 160/100 the other day.As for my dieet, as soon as I saw my bp was high I stopped all caffiene intake.My sodium might be high but I'm doing some research on dieets for lowering bp and I've already started on that.

As for my heart the doctor says it's in great condition accept for the extra beats now and then.

Also I've been following a powerlifting program the last 2months and I haven't done enough cardio.I'm thinking adding a 30min cardio session 4 or 5 times a week could aid in getting it back to normal.

Hey, you'll be surprised how drastic of a change to your BP if you cut the sodium and increase the potassium intake in just a few weeks time. Lay off the booze too if you're a drinker.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by crazy mike

OP do you have a BP monitor, if not get one. Now my BP hoovers in 130-140/ over 85 and 100 is getting up there. Austin~ ~ is correct due what the MD says except if you watch it each day in the am pre-workout and post workout you will get an idea right off if the gym is doing you harm. The gym should not drive you BP up, and but I would pay a lot of attention , with the doc as to the irregular heart beat and is he talking about a murmur and leakage of a valve ) a prolapse valve) or just what is going on. You need to see a heat Doc not the GP or whom ever.

Sorry but we're not Doctors but you have not described at all what is going on IE: irregular beat ? Oh ad as someone pointed out 140/100 is not alarming yet. Good luck and get to a heart doc guy. Get a Cardiogram. ...crazy mike

ooops I see you have a BP monitor . cool

Thanks for the advice.I'm not sure what the correct term is for my heartbeat but I'll explain the symptoms.My heart would beat at a normal pace for a while then suddenly beat very fast and out of rythm for 3 or 4 beats and then return beating normaly. It just does that rand0mly other than that my heart beats normal.

**austinite** · 06-27-2013, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

Thanks for the advice.I'm not sure what the correct term is for my heartbeat but I'll explain the symptoms.My heart would beat at a normal pace for a while then suddenly beat very fast and out of rythm for 3 or 4 beats and then return beating normaly. It just does that rand0mly other than that my heart beats normal.

yeah. ive had that all my life. did you suddenly develop this?

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Honkey_Kong

Hey, you'll be surprised how drastic of a change to your BP if you cut the sodium and increase the potassium intake in just a few weeks time. Lay off the booze too if you're a drinker.

I've never monitored my sodium and potassium intake but I started last week.So hopefully that also helps.I used to drink a lot when I was younger but the last few years I don't drink anymore.But I'll stay away from the booze.I don't smoke either.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

yeah. ive had that all my life. did you suddenly develop this?

As far as I could remember I've had this.And I've taken my pulse the last few years and it's been like that.

**austinite** · 06-27-2013, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

As far as I could remember I've had this.And I've taken my pulse the last few years and it's been like that.

Yeah it's crazy. Whenever I go under general anesthesia they always tell me about it when I wake up.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

Yeah it's crazy. Whenever I go under general anesthesia they always tell me about it when I wake up.

And have you ever had any trouble because of it? My grandfather had the same thing his whole life and he was a boxer, gymnist, rugbyplayer etc. It never stopped him.

**austinite** · 06-27-2013, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

And have you ever had any trouble because of it? My grandfather had the same thing his whole life and he was a boxer, gymnist, rugbyplayer etc. It never stopped him.

Never. I've done some of the most strenuous activities for years. I've run marathons, you name it. Never ever remotely came close to affecting me. Heart still beats. Docs say it's not uncommon and it's not disastrous as most make it out to be.

**tigerspawn** · 06-27-2013, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by Deon5

Over the last week it was 140/100 most of the time but it did go as high as 160/100 the other day.As for my dieet, as soon as I saw my bp was high I stopped all caffiene intake.My sodium might be high but I'm doing some research on dieets for lowering bp and I've already started on that.

Does a history of high blood pressure run in your family? What supplements were you taking during the time that you visited the doctors? Caffeine causes a spike in blood pressure but does not cause hypertension.

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by tigerspawn

Does a history of high blood pressure run in your family? What supplements were you taking during the time that you visited the doctors? Caffeine causes a spike in blood pressure but does not cause hypertension.

It does run in my family but none of my family had it this young.I haven't used any supplements for 2 weeks and the only supp I used before that was a Pre-workout.Could a high dose of caffeine over a long time cause hypertension?

**Deon5** · 06-27-2013, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

Never. I've done some of the most strenuous activities for years. I've run marathons, you name it. Never ever remotely came close to affecting me. Heart still beats. Docs say it's not uncommon and it's not disastrous as most make it out to be.

Good to know. I did some reading on the subject and it could just be that way even though the heart is healthy

**tigerspawn** · 06-27-2013, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Deon5

It does run in my family but none of my family had it this young.I haven't used any supplements for 2 weeks and the only supp I used before that was a Pre-workout.Could a high dose of caffeine over a long time cause hypertension?

I have never taken care of any patients that had hypertension that was related to their caffeine intake nor have I ever read any studies that were able to establish a direct correlation between caffeine intake and hypertension. Did you ever have someone else take it?

**raiugxlm** · 06-27-2013, 05:47 PM

If you can afford it I would recommend getting an EKG. It can diagnose a lot more accurately than simply "irregular heart beat." you'll need to go to a cardiologist for it, and be prepared to shell out some big coin.

**Deon5** · 06-28-2013, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by tigerspawn

I have never taken care of any patients that had hypertension that was related to their caffeine intake nor have I ever read any studies that were able to establish a direct correlation between caffeine intake and hypertension. Did you ever have someone else take it?

Do you mean take my blood pressure?I took my own BP as well as 3 docters that I've seen and spoken too.As far as caffeine consumption, I've always drank double esspresos and strong coffey.And I've used strong pre-workouts for quite a while now.I'm not sure if this could have any affect on BP and my heart but for now I'm staying away from any caffein, alcohol etc. Since the doc started me on the beta-blocker my bp is down to 135/100 and my heartrate is steady at 54bpm, no more irregular beats.

**Deon5** · 06-28-2013, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by raiugxlm

If you can afford it I would recommend getting an EKG. It can diagnose a lot more accurately than simply "irregular heart beat." you'll need to go to a cardiologist for it, and be prepared to shell out some big coin.

I was planning to do a EKG but I'll have to do that when I get back.Money isn't a problem but i did do a ecco of my heart.The cardiologist used n sonar to check it with and thats where he picked up my irregular heartbeat.He says my heart is in great shape otherwise.Like Austinite it's been like that for years.

If I don't reply to any further questions or input it's because my flight leaves today and I won't be able to read it for 2 weeks.Thanks for everyones insight, and I'll keep you guys posted when I get the EKG done.