Training w/Low Blood Pressure

[SophieM]

If this makes no sense, I apologize. Kind of foggy and not with it.

I did a search and found some threads about it but have some questions still that maybe can be answered.

It seems when I'm lifting consistently in the gym, my blood pressure gets lower than it usually is, and it's low to start with (90/70 isn't out of the ordinary). When I added in HIIT, it was almost up to "normal."

1) Has anyone else had a decrease in BP when they lift consistently and/or a more normalizing of BP when they did HIIT?

2) How can I keep my BP up? It really crashed today and I feel like sh*t. It was 88/49 earlier and is up to 94/62 which is more normal for me but I still feel like crap.

3) On days when I have really low BP, is there something I can eat to raise it before going to the gym? I thought I was feeling well enough to go but I was really weak and almost passed out during DL's. I'm thinking about taking a caffeine pill if it's like it was this morning again. I've had moderate luck with that in the past.

It's never been this low, that I can think of. I have normally low BP and the doctor says it's because I'm active. Is being more active causing it to go lower?

Any thoughts? I don't have an insurance right now and I'm not in my home state. I've been in bed since getting back from the gym and just want to get my energy/strength back.

[Sociogirl]

I don't have any help but my blood pressure is really low too! It is about the range you mentioned when I am resting. I've actually had doctors not be able to find it! I notice I get really dizzy and stuff if it gets too low and it does come sometimes when I'm working out but not too much. My Dr told me it was because I was so thin but didn't give me any tips to help feel better. I find caffeine helps me a lot but I never thought it may be due to the blood pressure effects! Maybe google "how to lower blood pressure" and you can do some of the opposite things.

[Revmachine21]

I have low blood pressure sometimes too. Are you eating enough before workouts?

What happens to your BP when you increase sodium?

A long time ago, I posted a similar thread and there were some women on the board who really struggled with low BP. At least one woman said she nearly died.

If you don't start feeling better, see a doctor for professional advice.

[SophieM]

Sociogirl - I've had nurses not be able to find it as well. I just laugh it off. Yesterday I wasn't laughing though.

Revmachine21 - I haven't changed what I eat before workouts so I don't think that's it but I'll make sure I'm getting enough. The foods I eat seem to be high in sodium so I don't think that's it either.

It seems that the more I lift, the lower it gets but doing HIIT increases it. It makes no sense to me. It's still low today (98/56) but I'm not feeling the effects of it, which is all I care about it.

I'll look into the sodium content of my foods and take a caffeine pill if I wake up and am feeling out of it. Hopefully it won't last long. I'm used to it being low (not like yesterday though) but I'm not used to the effects of low b/p.

[Angela R]

My husband just had a valve replacement (9 weeks post op tomorrow!) so when I found out he was having open heart surgery I researched tons. So here is my two cents for what it is worth.

Low blood pressure is a low blood flow through the veins and arteries. This can be caused by a weakened heart muscle, an inflamation in an organ and dehydration, medication.

It may be none of these, but in my experience when your body is trying to tell you something you should listen. If you have seen medical personnel and they can't find anything wrong and it continues you should go to someone else.

I don't think dumping caffeine into your body is a solution. Especially if dehydration or inflammation is the cause.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you are feeling.

[NOVA888]

Great question! I'm an otherwise extremely healthy, low BP gal as well, and have had my fair share of dizzy spells, cold sweats etc. until I learned what my body needed in order to function properly.

Mainly I'm sure to keep my sodium levels up throughout the day, so I end up eating things like black olives to give me the sodium I need.

Things I find helpful (and to read up on).....

increased Sodium (an electrolyte) sometimes I'll even sprinkle a little salt into water, or in my potassium drink (instant relief).
increased Electrolytes overall
increased Caffeine
increased fluids overall--never become dehydrated!!!!!
Look into a moderate low-carb diet


I've also read that ginseng may be helpful, although I've never tried this.

Additionally, I do my cardio first (prior to lifting), so that my heart rate is up before taking on heavy lifts.

But no matter what you do, get a docs clearance first just in case there are any underlying health issues you might not be aware of.

[zombieang]

Low blood pressure can be caused my an unhealthy low level of bodyfat and weight. At 5'2 sociogirl you shouldn't be 85lbs unless you're are 4'9 or 4'8. I bet the cause of your low is your weight and your heart is probably weak.

I have low blood pressure and a low pulse but I suffer from mild hypothyrodism. Low blood pressure is unhealthy and is not because you're active unless you're a marathon runner with a heart beat of 45 to 50. My heart rate drops into the teens while I sleep and its unhealthy. You should get checked out, and I agree lots of sodium and potassium in your diet. Increase the cardio and food intake (clean healthy food) and I'm sure you will feel much better.

But just my 0.02......

[SophieM]

Angela R - I've had low b/p ever since I can remember. Granted, I wasn't paying much attention until I was 18 or so and then I had anorexia so I don't really know what it was like prior to the eating disorder.

I don't think it's any of the things you listed, though I wish it was. At least I'd have a clue as to how to fix it.

DemetriaF - Thanks for the advice. I'll look in to some of those and see what happens.

zombieang - I have low b/p but a relatively high pulse. I don't know if you were talking to me or sociogirl about increasing food and cardio but if it was me, I'm already eating over 2300 calories a day. I took a week off from HIIT last week and am looking to ease back in to it this week.

Thanks for the all the suggestions. Even though it's still lower than suggested, I'm feeling much better.

[buttercup963]

Hey Sophie, I have suffered from low blood pressure from when I was about 18, and the only advice I had from some silly nurse was to 'eat lots more salt' which is ok, but thats what causes high blood pressure!
I am underweight aswell so mine is due to not eating alot, but you say you are eating as much as you normally do, mine drops really low if I have not eaten, have you tried to google what you can do to prevent low blood pressure? Sorry havnt been able to help much, just to let you know I suffer from this aswell.

[SophieM]

Most sites say eat more salt, drink more water, get enough sleep, wear compression socks, etc.

If I knew what was causing it, it might be easier to fix but I have no clue. When/if I go to the dr. I'll ask about it, again.