Blood Pressure & Bodybuilding

Hypertension & Bodybuilding

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.  

There are many physiological causes of hypertension, including:

• Increased blood volume: When there is too much fluid in the bloodstream, it puts extra pressure on the artery walls. This can be caused by a high-sodium diet, kidney disease, or certain medications.
• Narrowing of the arteries: When the arteries become narrowed, it is harder for blood to flow through them. This can be caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), which is often caused by high cholesterol and unhealthy diet.
• Increased heart rate: When the heart beats faster, it pumps more blood with each beat. This can increase blood pressure. Increased heart rate can be caused by stress, anxiety, or certain medications.
• Hormonal imbalances: Certain hormones, such as those involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, can contribute to hypertension if they are out of balance. This can be caused by conditions such as thyroid disease or Cushing’s syndrome.

In some cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. This is called essential hypertension. However, even in cases of essential hypertension, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play a significant role in managing blood pressure.

Blood Pressure & Bodybuilding

While bodybuilding and resistance training offer numerous health benefits, they can also present specific concerns for individuals with hypertension:

• Increased blood pressure during exercise: Both bodybuilding and resistance training can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure during exercise. For individuals with hypertension, this spike can be more pronounced and may pose a risk, especially with heavy lifting or intense workouts.  
• Potential for medication interactions: Some bodybuilding supplements or performance-enhancing drugs can interact with blood pressure medications, either reducing their effectiveness or exacerbating hypertension. It’s crucial for individuals with hypertension to consult their doctor before using any supplements or drugs.
• Risk of overtraining: Overtraining can put extra stress on the cardiovascular system and potentially worsen hypertension. Bodybuilders with hypertension need to carefully manage their training intensity and allow for adequate rest and recovery.  
• Exacerbation of underlying conditions: Hypertension can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or sleep apnea. Bodybuilding or resistance training may exacerbate these conditions, indirectly affecting blood pressure.  
• Monitoring and management challenges: Individuals with hypertension who engage in bodybuilding or resistance training need to closely monitor their blood pressure and work with their doctor to adjust their exercise routine or medication as needed.

It’s important to note that bodybuilding and resistance training can also have positive effects on blood pressure in the long term, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, individuals with hypertension should always consult their doctor before starting any new exercise program and take necessary precautions to manage their blood pressure during training.

Blood Pressure & Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids can impact blood pressure through several interconnected physiological mechanisms:

1. Increased Red Blood Cell Production (Polycythemia): Steroids, particularly some types, stimulate the production of red blood cells. This leads to polycythemia, an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. A higher concentration of red blood cells thickens the blood, making it more viscous. This thicker blood requires the heart to work harder to pump it, leading to increased pressure on the artery walls and thus higher blood pressure.
2. Fluid Retention: Anabolic steroids can influence fluid balance in the body, often leading to increased sodium retention. As the body retains more sodium, it also retains more water. This increased fluid volume in the bloodstream contributes to higher blood pressure, similar to how a higher volume of water in a pipe increases the pressure.
3. Changes in Cholesterol Levels: Steroid use can negatively impact cholesterol profiles, often increasing levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and decreasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). These changes can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow and further increasing blood pressure.
4. Increased Cardiac Output: Steroids can increase the force of heart contractions, leading to a higher cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute). While a temporary increase in cardiac output can be beneficial in some situations, a sustained increase can put extra strain on the cardiovascular system and contribute to elevated blood pressure.
5. Direct Effects on Blood Vessels: Some studies suggest that anabolic steroids may have direct effects on the blood vessels themselves, potentially causing them to constrict. This vasoconstriction narrows the blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and raising blood pressure.
6. Increased Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: Steroids can also stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the body’s “fight-or-flight” response system. Increased sympathetic activity can lead to the release of hormones like adrenaline, which can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Chronic stimulation of this system can contribute to sustained hypertension.

It’s important to note that the extent to which steroids affect blood pressure can vary depending on the specific steroid used, the dosage, the duration of use, and individual susceptibility. However, the potential for blood pressure elevation is a significant health risk associated with anabolic steroid use, and regular monitoring is crucial for those who use them. This increased blood pressure, in turn, increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Controlling Hypertension While Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders can take several strategies to reduce the risk of hypertension, including diet and prescription medications:

Dietary strategies:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  
• Limit intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.
• Reduce sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and using less salt in cooking. Be aware of the sodium content in supplements like protein shakes and protein bars, as these can actually be quite high in sodium. Sports drinks with electrolytes are also sources of sodium to be aware of.
• Check out our many low-sodium, high-protein recipes, including spice mixes, to help keep you making gains without pumping up your blood pressure, too.
• Moderate alcohol consumption.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.  

Prescription medications:

• Consult a doctor to determine if medication is necessary.
• Common medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.  
• Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage and timing.
• Report any side effects to the doctor promptly.

Additional lifestyle strategies:

• Engage in regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming.  
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.  
• Get enough sleep.
• Avoid smoking.

It’s crucial for bodybuilders to consult their doctor before making any significant changes to their diet or exercise routine, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential to ensure that hypertension is managed effectively. Blood pressure is a health metric that all bodybuilders should track.