Do BP meds effect benefits of exercise? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Desdemona Too · 09-24-2003, 12:04 PM

I was just wondering, if you take a beta blocker whose purpose is to decrease adrenaline and heart rate, are you decreasing the effects of cardiovascular exercise? Do these meds have an effect on your metabolism? I have been exercising in the hopes of not having to go on medication but it apparently did not help enough. Now that I am taking meds I'm not going to stop exercising but I'm wondering if I should workout longer? I'd really prefer not to as I already do 45 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training a day.

Thanks!

NMc · 09-24-2003, 03:03 PM

Hi DT:
I asked the same question of my doctor, who said I would probably not be able to get my heart rate up to 80% of my max heart rate. I always understood that you needed to be at this level to derive any aerobic benefit from exercising, but that isn't necessarily the case. As long as you maintain a moderate level of intensity, you will benefit from the work-out (cardiac-wise). So yes, the beta blocker will reduce your ability to increase your HR (you'll fatigue before HR reaches a high range), but no, it won't negatively impact the cardiac benefits. Hope this helps.

pslam 91 · 10-02-2003, 05:47 PM

My old ( as in not seeing him anymore) doctor put me on metropopal( the med from hell) last fall. The pharmastist asked me if I exercise. I told him I jump rope. He told me I wouldnt be able to do that because my heart rate wouldnt keep up. I told the dr. He said no way, I could exercise and needed to. Well , I couldnt, felt like lead. I dont want that quality of life. I want to be active. The meds also made me depressed. See why I dont go to that dr. I dont think he is too smart. I want to find an interist but am scard they will be a quack too. I am on a calsium channel blocker and I can exercise. I dont see the need for a bata blocker in my life