A bodybuilder's blood pressure - discuss this statement

[DMI]

In the book "Building the Perfect Beast", Author L. Rea writes:-

"Normal blood pressure for average individuals is around 120/80. This is considered pretty healthy. However,bodybuilders and powerlifters are not average. They tend to be much larger and heavier, carrying significantly more lean mass tissue. For this reason, they have larger, more powerful hearts to suppy high volumes of blood to a greater amount of tissue.

The first number of a blood pressure reading indicates blood pressure after the heart contracts, which raises vascular pressure, and blood is pumped through the body. Obviously, the second number measures blood pressure before the heard contracts.

Since bodybuilders and powerlifters hav more powerful, larger hearts a first number of 150, 160 or even 180 is relatively normal and need not usually be a cause for concern..."

Is this really the case that bodybuilders needn't be too concerned about isolated systolic high blood pressure readings? I weigh around 230lbs, fairly lean, at 6ft tall and my blood pressure has quite consistently been 140-145/70 at this body weight.

 

[halfcenturian]

NOOOO! BP is BP. The only time you can expect your BP to increase is when you are on gear. My Dr. who prescribes Test Cyp to me for HRT said that It might raise BP from 135-150 systolic. and 90-100 diastolic. Anything higher is cause for concern and in most cases BP medication. I take BP meds anyway.
It's the long term high BP that takes it's toll on you. So check it a few times a month.

 

[dopename]

I would like to hear what everyone else says about this too.

I am a rather large guy and my BP is always slightly elevated. Maybe around 130/90.

 

[the_alcatraz]

My BP is almost always at 150/80 - 170/90. It's an issue for me.

 

[Sculelos]

Hmmm, I usually test around 130/70 but the docs I talked to said that was normal and I shouldn't be too concerned about it. Especially since my resting heart rate is usually about 60 beats per minute.

 

[Lee]

BP is only high if there is something wrong. I am 6'5' 255 pounds, probably about 19% bf, and i have perfect BP. 120/80 and a resting heart rate of 85. But I eat healthy and take care of myself for the most part. There is no "well if" for BP.

 

[captainahole]

I had a physical last week and bp was 124/80 the doc was thrilled, last year it was 140/90 and she was really concerned about it because my cholesterol was to high. So a few changes in diet and both dropped she was thrilled especially since I didn't have to be put on meds to regulate it. So basically higher blood pressure with low cholesterol is less for concern I figure.

 

[b fold the truth]

Mine goes up and down...

I was 180/something last year when I was on large doses of cortisone (also was holding tons of water). Most of the time I'm normal.

 

[guest username]

The problem with high blood pressure is arterial damage. So it doesn't matter if it's from a "great heart" or if it's from some other pathology. High blood pressure, no matter what the cause, damages your arteries, kidneys, etc. It must be controlled to help prevent long-term complications.

The main issue with bodybuilders having high blood pressure is that a proper sized cuff must be used. Somebody with huge arms would actually need their blood pressure taken with a thigh cuff, not just a large adult brachial cuff.

 

[DMI]

Mine gets tested using a large cuff 32-42cm. Is this sufficient? My arms flexed are around 18 inches.