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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For High BP And Pulse

I'm a male 32 yrs, non smoker, non drinker, 178 cms, 76 kgs, borderline high BP and normal sugar, family history of high BP (dad and mom) and sugar (dad, granddad...). I had a BP of 140/90 in a test taken about 6 months back and the doctor recommended I take Losartan 50 mg - which I've been taking every day. I recently started running again (1-2 miles per day - every day) and my pulse is going very high (as high as 190s) within 1 mile. Do I need beta blockers or ACE inhibitors instead of/in addition to Losar?
Mon, 5 Dec 2016
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Your "maximum predicted heart rate," the fastest your heart is expected to be able to go, is 220 minus your age, which is about 188. If you jog or run, and your heart rate is going quickly up to 190, then it most likely is that, since you "recently started running again," you may be accelerating to quickly than what your body is used to. Doctors or physiologists call it "deconditioning," others call it "being out of shape."

It just means that you should either run at a slower pace or a shorter distance for a week or 2, and then gradually build it up. As your body gets used to the regular running, your cardiovascular conditioning will improve, and your pulse will not rise as quickly; also, you will be able to run faster and farther before your pulse gets up to 190.

Generally, when we advise people on an exercise program, we recommend aiming for a heart rate of 75% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate--in your case at age 32, that would be about 141. When we do stress tests, we aim for 85% of that maximal heart rate, which in your case would be around 160.

Just take your running pace more slowly or a shorter distance, and make sure you pre-hydrate before running. Dehydration can make one's pulse more rapid with exercise.

You do not need beta blockers to slow your heart, unless your doctor feels your resting heart rate is too fast.

Make sure you get your blood pressure checked again (6 months ago is too long ago, if you have a symptom of which you are not sure of its significance).

Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.
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Suggest Treatment For High BP And Pulse

Your maximum predicted heart rate, the fastest your heart is expected to be able to go, is 220 minus your age, which is about 188. If you jog or run, and your heart rate is going quickly up to 190, then it most likely is that, since you recently started running again, you may be accelerating to quickly than what your body is used to. Doctors or physiologists call it deconditioning, others call it being out of shape. It just means that you should either run at a slower pace or a shorter distance for a week or 2, and then gradually build it up. As your body gets used to the regular running, your cardiovascular conditioning will improve, and your pulse will not rise as quickly; also, you will be able to run faster and farther before your pulse gets up to 190. Generally, when we advise people on an exercise program, we recommend aiming for a heart rate of 75% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate--in your case at age 32, that would be about 141. When we do stress tests, we aim for 85% of that maximal heart rate, which in your case would be around 160. Just take your running pace more slowly or a shorter distance, and make sure you pre-hydrate before running. Dehydration can make one s pulse more rapid with exercise. You do not need beta blockers to slow your heart, unless your doctor feels your resting heart rate is too fast. Make sure you get your blood pressure checked again (6 months ago is too long ago, if you have a symptom of which you are not sure of its significance). Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.