Post Cycle heart rate is really low

[badmoon1]

4 weeks after my last test c cycle, my heart rate is surprisingly low. When I go for an easy run (I'm an endurance athlete) my HR is around 110 - where before my cycle at that same pace my HR would have been 130. While having a lower HR at the same effort is a goal and considered "good", this concerns me. Thoughts?

[Atomini]

This is normal, especially if you are an endurance athlete. ALL anabolic steroids increase red blood cell count through Erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys. Erythropoietin is a hormone that signals bone marrow to increase red blood cell production. Red blood cells contain the protein Hemoglobin, which is the protein that the O2 (oxygen) molecule attaches to, and the red blood cell carries this oxygen throughout the body to cells where needed. More red blood cells = more hemoglobin = decreased need for a fast heart rate to maximize O2 transportation.

Some anabolic steroids increase red blood cell production more than others. Oxymetholone (AKA Anadrol -50) and Boldenone (AKA Equipoise ) are two very well known anabolic steroids that shoot red blood cell production into the stratosphere, alghough as I previously mentioned all anabolic steroids have this effect on the body. This is one of the reasons why AAS used to be a miracle drug for anemia, where AAS is used in order to bolster hemoglobin levels.

Even those who train naturally without the use of AAS have high hemoglobin levels, simply due to the increased O2 demands that come with intense physical exercise. This is one of the reasons why athletes typically have a lower resting heart rate than the average person (especially endurance athletes). I would suggest that you get bloodwork done to check your hemoglobin levels, because there are some serious risks that are associated with very high hemoglobin, such as blood pressure issues and increased risk of stroke, etc.

I personally have very high hemoglobin levels. I have had it this way for many years, and my doctor has noted it but we understand what is causing it (AAS use and physical exercise). High hemogrlobin isn't really a bad thing, but the idea is to make sure it doesn't go TOO high. Even as someone who just engages in physical training (excluding AAS), we are going to have higher hemoglobin levels than the average human. If level gets extremely high, however, then you run the risk of high blood pressure and other related risks. Some of the things you can do to keep levels low is to donate blood, or stay off AAS for a while (red blood cell life is on average 3 months).

The red blood cell production increasing effects of AAS is THE big reason why we get such incredible pumps in the gym while on cycle too.

[badmoon1]

Very helpful. Thanks for the great info!

[ScotchGuard02]

Very informative.

[Times Roman]

Just as importantly, how has your resting pulse rate changed?

[adamjames]

atomini nice read

[badmoon1]

I don't think my resting HR has changed, but will check again tomorrow morning.

[badmoon1]

My resting HR is the same as before.

[adamjames]

just came back to boast about my RHR, checked it last night, 43 bpm, boast over

[adamjames]

whos that cyclist who was hovering around the 25 bpm?

crazy

[badmoon1]

55 now. If it goes lower I'm afraid it might stop!