I am female, 59, overweight and out of shape. I began ...

Dear Madeline,

I believe you just may need to hydrate yourself...drink plenty of water before and after your treadmill work. Low blood pressure is great when it results from a healthy activity. People who exercise regularly, athletes for example, tend to have lower blood pressure than do people who aren't as fit. So, in general, do nonsmokers and people who eat well and maintain a normal weight.

All this and more for you to read when you click this link.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

I have directed you to a specific page about causes, however, at the top of the page you'll see you can click on "Overview" and other headings educating you all about low blood pressure.

You are well on your way to a healthier lifestyle and longer life! Congratulations are in order. The right stuff is happening! Images available only to Customers.

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B.Shap

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your reply. I do drink plenty of water, including sipping on water the whole time I am exercising. Several months ago my BP was hovering around 158/96 and my doctor put me on 5mg. Pindolol. This did bring it down, but also made me very weak and tired, and I developed psoriasis on my elbow as well. He said I could try cutting it out, which I did 4 days ago, and now my blood pressure at rest is back up, but not quite as high. (around 139/86)I would rather not take any medications, but I thought BP was supposed to go up during exercise, not down. It stays down for about an hour or 2 after exercising, and then climbs back up. I know athletes have lower resting BP, but I am no athlete! I am struggling with 80 lbs. overweight and have lost about 8 lbs. so far. Anyway, I was wondering if BP going DOWN while exercising was a bad sign?
Thank you!

Exercise lowers your blood pressure. This is, as Martha Stewart says, "a good thing."

You needn't fear this happening during exercise. Medications can affect this too of course but since you've stopped you are regulating your pressure with your exercise.

Keep up the good work! Barbara


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B.Shap