[pct-l] high blood pressure and hiking

[Marvin and Shirley Barg]

Hi Shaun, I comment from the perspective of a retired advanced practice
cardiac RN. Your post leaves out many important details especially what BP
numbers you are dealing with, but overall, my experience from cardiologists
not involved in cardiac rehab was that they were too conservative, even
unawares of the incredible benefits of moderate exercise to reduce cardiac
risk. We often repeated a slogan from a Dr. Butler-'if exercise was a pill,
it would be the most prescribed 'medication' in the nation'.

So with that in mind, here are my comments:

1.       First of all, if your cardiologist is that concerned, he/she should
have prescribed you some BP medication already, maybe even several different
kinds as JMT Reinhold alluded to. If just recently prescribed, you may want
to delay a week while you determine how the med(s) are working. Otherwise, I
can't see much harm in you hiking, but take note of the following. 

2.       I've never seen a cardiac pt or one at risk with high BP that
didn't benefit from moderate to moderate + exercise. Exercise induced (but
not to the extreme ie 180+) rise, especially in the top number of the BP
(systolic) is what one expects. BP should return to normal, if not  lower
than usual, after cool down.

3.       What do I mean by moderate to moderate + exercise? When you are
hiking, you should be able to carry on a conversation, no shortness of
breath! Back off if you are short of breath. If you can sing, you probably
could pick up the pace!

4.       If you are taking your blood pressure on the trail, it is essential
you take it while at rest (at least 15 minutes since you stopped) and in the
shade. This is your 'real' blood pressure.

5.       There are lighter BP monitor options than the standard upper arm
ones. Omron makes a wrist one and there are several finger BP ones on the
market. Check Amazon. When I was in practice the finger BP ones could be
inaccurate but maybe the technology has improved since then.

6.       Make sure your record you BP, time and date. A good cardiologist
will find this information useful.

7.       It's important to stay hydrated.

Regards

Grampa Kilt