Lower Blood Pressure and Stubborn Heart Rate

mkgal1 said:

Everyone!

I haven't posted here before, but I had a question, and thought this would be the place to get a good answer.

I just got out of the hospital, and am getting back into shape. I discovered in the hospital that my blood pressure is on the low side of healthy. I believe my bottom number (I always get confused whether that is diastolic or the other...I don't know). Anyway, when they were taking my vitals in the hospital, that number was usually around 45-50. The nurses all commented that it was a low number, but still in the healthy range. It made me think about something else. When I am exercising, my heart rate is really stubborn about getting up to the target rate. I can walk on the treadmill all day with my heart rate not increasing. I need to get on the elliptical to increase my heart rate. Does that mean my circulation is poor? Any ideas if the two are related?

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Do you get dizzy often?

mkgal1 said:

No...I don't really have any symptoms of *low* blood pressure. That is why the nurses say it is healthy. I did read that frequent thirst is a symptom...that I do have. I thought I was diabetic because of the amount of water I drink. I just wonder about my heart rate & why it doesn't respond to excercise unless it is pretty strenuous. What does that mean?

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Well... it could me a couple things.

Low heart rate is common among endurance athletes. Lance Armstrong has a RHR of 32-34.

If you are not in shape you may want to look into the possibility of Bradycardia, which can be a serious issue as you get older. Your doctor should be able to check for it. There is some info on it here.

You may also just be a healthy person. If you are not experiencing any real negative effects then I wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you have any doubts or worries see your doctor.

Hope I've helped