Blood pressure and resting heart rate - the benefits are more than skin deep

[Equi-geek]

In April, the nurse at our GP surgery took my BP and it was 138/94 and my HR was 79. She was concerned and I don't remember it being that high before. Shortly afterwards, my partner bought an Omron inflating-cuff monitoring machine for his own use - so I had a go.

On 11th May my BP was 141/91 and resting HR 74 bpm. OK, but not good.

Today, after Week 7, it's 119/80 and resting HR 59 bpm which is well into the 'healthy' range again.

Both times I took the reading was best of 3 measurements and all 3 were at this time of day.

So if you're disappointed with the amount of weight loss, think beyond the scale. The benefits to your cardiovascular health are hidden, but perhaps more important than your weight.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

That’s excellent. A real investment in your health.

(I wouldn’t have even thought of starting running if my Mrs hadn’t left me at the start of the year. Looking at my stats I realise I am now more “heart mended” than “heart broken”. Sorry if that sounds soppy.)

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay! No, not soppy at all - it's great that you're finding your health again after such an unwelcome event.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Oh Jay... huge Floss hug xxxx

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks, Floss. But I’m good. Running and this forum have helped beyond measure.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

xx

[Sortyourlife in reply to Jay66UK]

Aw Jay! I’m glad you’re looking at it as a heart mended situation!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Sortyourlife]

Only way. Can’t change it. Have to make the best of things.

[Sortyourlife in reply to Jay66UK]

True! Is the aim to shift a bit of weight and become a silver fox? 😄

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Sortyourlife]

Umm apart from the fact that sounds really cheesy, I guess. I just want to find the right person to share the rest of my life with.

[Sortyourlife in reply to Jay66UK]

Ha Tbf I love soppy and cheesy. The other half doesn’t though 😂

Sounds lovely though

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Just tested mine. 124/79. Pulse 69. Not bad for a fat bloke!

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Not bad at all! And the fat isn't going to be around much longer, anyway

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

You can't keep calling yourself fat...you forget we've all seen you in your shorts! And you're far from fat 💪

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

There’s a reason the shot didn’t go as high as the belly!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

😄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant... when I had my well woman check the year after starting C25K... my results were that of a 33 year old... Heart rate... BP etc etc.... I was then 66

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Wow! That's excellent!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

😳 that is indeed amazing.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I was so impressed.... and even now on the IC....not too shabby for an old 'un.. 125 over 70.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

It also starts to happen so soon into the programme too - form being a non-runner. I imagine yours will be very quickly sorted when you get back into training. Just goes to show it's always worth doing what you can, when it comes to running.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

The human body is just amazing. So many flaws but so many strengths too.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

You mean like cars?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

For A 68 yr old ..my results are great..not sure how old you are?

Anything between 120 and 125 for me is fine..and as it is the dystolic which is the important one...70 is fine...my resting pulse rate 72😊

I try not to focus too much...but I do know what the benefits are...and that is why I am making sure I keep up my cardio work outs going whilst not running...despite this heat !!!😉

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I'm 50 this year Sorry Oldfloss I didn't mean to imply yours weren't excellent, just trying to sympathise if you were concerned about being on the IC - but you're clearly not concerned and already brilliant results - had no idea you were 68!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

No worries...I know you were being kind... 😊 Yep..I really am Oldfloss...

after a week or so on the IC with an infected Horsefly bite..and 7 days of heavy antibiotics... and now on there again.. waiting for 5 weeks for an MRI scan..it all gets bit more important to stay on form!

Luckily I am at the coast with glorious scenery😉

[Tartiflette Graduate]

Absolutely! Cardiovascular health is a big motivator for me. Seeing good change in resting HR & hopefully BP too. Haven't measured but less stressed overall which will also help 👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Tartiflette]

It really is a lovely stress reliever/avoider, isn’t it?

[Tartiflette Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Yes! & since starting running I just don't sweat the small stuff any more. Just sweat buckets instead 😂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Tartiflette]

“Whoever said no sweat never ran in the summer”!

[Tartiflette Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

😂😅

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

God how true is that...I wanted to be out there at 7 but mr p had picked my parents up from the airport last night so never got to bed until 2.45 so gave him an extra hour...we were puddles!! Next week no excuses as soon as I’m awake so is he!! 🤣🤣

[Saartjie Graduate]

I know a Fitbit is not the most accurate but my resting heart rate has come down from 70 to 66 since doing this programme. Amazing!

[JennyH10 Graduate]

That is fabulous!

Similar story for me, I brought my BP down from about 190/90 to about 120/80 and brought my cholesterol levels right down to healthy levels too. Also lost quite a bit of weight but I agree it’s those other numbers that tell the bigger story that are more important. It’s all good 😁