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Posted 8/20/2014 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
I had a stress test last week and was told everything was normal, today after my workout about 30mins. I decided to check my bp It was 152/127, I felt fine but was freaked out. I called my cardiologist and went in about 30 mins after that and they checked me and said bp was normal and then checked me on my machine and it came out 141/88. So now I am afraid to workout again, it was only my 3rd workout in a month and half do to the panic and anxiety I was having. I really don't know what to do because I was not feeling anxious or any panic. My only hobby is exercise and now I am afraid I can't do it anymore.
Posted 8/20/2014 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Exercising when in poor physical condition will almost always
cause BP to rise, those numbers while they may have disturbed
you are not life threatening, more importantly what does it read
when you are at rest, as you get into better condition the numbers will get more normal, and your recovery time will also
be a factor. Peace,

Larry ***
Posted 8/20/2014 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am in the same boat with ya. I have not hardly exercised at all during the past 7 months for a similar reason: A slow 3 minute jog gets my pulse rate way up (176) and I am sure my bp is just as high or low, but I know it's got to be off kilter!! The cardiologist said it was likely due to a deconditioned heart, so if it's anything like what they're assuming for me, it'll just take time. I'm with ya though, I haven't jogged since that day like 2 months ago. I do walk and my husband encouraged me to do a brisk walk the other day and my pulse stayed within a comfortable range. So maybe just one step at a time.
Posted 8/20/2014 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
My BP after taking a shower, as I was clearly in a panic attack, on my home machine was 161\126. I freaked and called my gp. He said stay on the line and wait 5 minutes and take it again. I did so and it was 137\92. He said at times panic attacks will shoot your BP really high, and effect diastolic much more, at times. But he highly doubted the accuracy of my machine because of how close the systolic was to the diastolic. We checked my machine against his at my next visit and depending on how I position myself, my machine was off by 10-20 points.

That high reading is mainly the reason I got panic attacks. I know now the proper position to use my machine to get an accurate reading. But my pressure is still high, especially diastolic, when I panic. HARD to get out of my head! But as long as it goes down I know im not in any short term danger. That said, it STILL freaks me out! One day at a time is where im at right now.
Posted 8/20/2014 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Naman,

It sounds as if your machine is simply inaccurate!

If your doctor's machine read you as normal...and then your machine continued to give you high readings afterward...you must have a faulty unit.

What did your doctor have to a say about all of this?

BP does rise above normal resting standards when one is exercising.

Fitness is based on how quickly our systems (respitory and circulatory) get back into normal range.

Even though BP rises during exercise...it drops down lower and lower during rest with continued conditioning.

If your cardiololgist gave you an all clear to exercise, then you can safely continue to do so. ;)

Perhaps until you feel more comfortable about it...go for endurance at a lower pace. Think walking briskly for 45 min, rather than running for 20...just an example...

Best wishes, and keep posting!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/20/2014 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I have gotten out of shape faster than I thought last year at this time my resting pulse was 45 bpm do to extreme cardio, about 5 months ago I decided to do less cardio and focus more on strength, so I was only doing a couple days of cardio a week. I have some veins on both sides of my temple that look like they are gonna explode when I do intense exercise and I guess that fuels my anxiety.
Posted 8/20/2014 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
It does sound like your machine was wrong. I know that if I don't exercies  on a daily basis my bp is higher. Exercise is healthy it is what your body was designed to do, to move. wink
Posted 8/20/2014 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
like i said last year around this time i would see my pulse 180 to 190 bpm while working out and not worry now if i walk through the house and it goes over 100 i start freaking out. I feel so weak mentally now.
Posted 8/20/2014 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Naman,

You are not weak...you are stronger than most because you are facing one of the most frightening experiences...anxiety! We are champions, and we truly find our inner warrior when we go up against our greatest fears!

Here is an idea that I thought might help you. I am going to post some coping skills below (I like the stress-relief site best) for you to try.

I recommend doing these 3x's a day for at least 10 min. I also think that doing them before and after your exercise sessions would be smart...but I will leave it up to you, and what your schedule allows.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

 

Lowering your overall anxiety through these skills/practices...as well as doing your exercise (remember moderate and steady at first) should help to get you back to where you want to be.:)

Best wishes, and keep posting!

S.C.

Posted 8/20/2014 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to take your advice Scaredy Cat. I am having extreme exercise anxiety as well. Just trying to get back into the swing of things a little at a time now. I am going to do a relax technique before and after exercising.

Just wondering though if you have any thoughts on my pulse rate buzzing up to 176 after a brief 3 minute jog? I am post-partum 7 months, and over the past 7 months have lost 50 pounds of baby weight. My blood pressure runs around 110/65 (without any anxiety) and 148/90 with anxiety. (Give and take a few) 5foot5, 125 pounds. Could definitely use some sort of wisdom on this so I feel more confident jogging.
Posted 8/20/2014 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
TMA.,

We have similar vital #'s and build. I too used to have workout anxiety, and would anticipate panic...therefore my pulse would jump very soon upon starting an activity.

This is not an indication that you are out of shape, or that there is something wrong...but rather that you are experiencing anxiety. (I am trusting that are otherwise healthy)

For me, not exercising was not an option after I started having attacks...since I am an athlete by trade...and depend on my body!!

So if I felt palps, or my heart racing while in the midst of an activity...I would slow down, but not stop.

After a few experiences with this...my mind and body got the idea that exercise...though sharing a lot of similar sensations to panic (heart racing, sweating, breathlessness) is a seperate and safe activity.:)

Start slow and steady...you will be allight!

S.C.
Posted 8/20/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Lots of experience here with regards to anxiety and exercise. You've got a bunch of factors working against you here re: getting a good, healthy baseline reading.

As was mentioned, being deconditioned and trying to work out, especially at full steam or even half steam, will temporarily spike your BP. It's supposed to! ;)

Machines are more often than not very inaccurate.

Our body position when the readings are taken are important.

If we're anticipating something, again, temporary spike. But it comes down.

If you are otherwise healthy, and you want to be healthier, perhaps consider regular exercise (at least 3 x week if not daily), but in moderation to begin with, very gently. Just be consistent and persistent.

And never. Ever. Ever take your BP anywhere close to a workout, before, during or after!











M.
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