Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a problem faced by millions of Americans. The causes can be genetic, due to drugs we take, or caused by poor diet and exercise habits. Heart disease claims 50% of American lives, and blood pressure (BP) is an indicator of upcoming heart and cardiovascular system disease problems. Let’s check out some commonly asked questions about blood pressure.

Why does blood pressure matter?

Blood pressure is something of a ‘dipstick’ to the engine that is your heart. If you have high blood pressure, your blood is not flowing as it should, and you are at risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Just as you need to add oil when you see the engine dipstick is getting low, you must remove negative factors (stress, lack of diet and exercise) from your body when your blood pressure begins to rise.

How can I check my blood pressure?

Walk into any pharmacy or large grocery store, and you’ll likely find a free blood pressure machine that you can use. They are standard in most Wal-Marts, near the pharmacy section. You should keep a notepad in your car, and write down your blood pressure number each time. More important than your number on any given day is the record of twice-monthly scores, over a period of months. This will allow you to see if your BP is remaining constant, or going up or down.

I’m a bodybuilder who eats chicken and rice all day. I have nothing to worry about, right?

Wrong. You could be a vegetarian who does 2 hours of cardio a day, and still be at risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be genetic. Elevations in blood pressure come with age regardless of how well you take care of yourself. Now, let’s examine the case of your everyday professional, or even amateur, bodybuilder. You consume a great deal of calories, which introduces fat and cholesterol to your bloodstream, clogging arteries. You conduct 60 to 90 minutes of very rigorous weight training, placing strain upon your heart. Perhaps you indulge in an energy drink or an ECA (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin) stack for fat loss. Both of these contribute to blood vessel constriction, hypertension, and a greater chance of heart disease. Anabolic steroids vary in their influence upon blood pressure, but many of them do raise the levels, making that notepad of bi-monthly measurements all the more important as you try new AAS.

What is the most important thing I can do about my blood pressure today?

First, check it. Then look online to view acceptable ranges for your age and bodyweight. If you’re already in a danger zone, immediately see a doctor and check into lifestyle changes of medical additions to your diet which could change it for the better. Second, keep checking it. If you cycle off ECA for a month or three, see how that affects your measurements. Without a healthy ticking heart, it doesn’t matter how good you look posing in the mirror. Getting the blood pressure under control, and removing negative influences upon it definitely takes a higher priority over your own bodybuilding training for vanity.

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