An enlarged heart is a heart that is larger than normal. According to the American Heart Association, enlarged hearts can be caused by a thickening of the heart muscle due to an increased workload. This increase in workload can be caused by heart valve disease or high blood pressure. The combination of an enlarged heart and high blood pressure can be aggravated by the lifting of weights; it can even become deadly.
Normal Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of less than 120 and a diastolic reading of less than 80. The Texas Heart Institute says that any reading of over 140 for systolic and over 90 for diastolic is considered to be a sign of high blood pressure. Readings between the normal and high range are considered to be signs of a pre-hypertension condition. The Texas Heart Institute notes that people in that category are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure later in life. It is important to note that you will not necessarily have symptoms with high blood pressure; often, the condition is diagnosed only when a doctor takes your blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure's Effect on the Heart
High blood pressure can cause your heart to work harder and grow bigger, according to the Texas Heart Institute. The bigger your heart grows, the less able it is to maintain proper blood flow. The Texas Heart Institute notes that any enlargement can make you feel weak and tired; that feeling is the beginning of heart failure. At this point, complications can occur, especially during strenuous exercise like weight lifting.
Weight Lifting's Effect on Blood Pressure
According to the Mayo Clinic, weight lifting can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. The increase in pressure can be very high, especially if you are lifting an extremely heavy weight. The heavier the weight, the more you strain and the higher your blood pressure will rise.
Dangers of Heavy Weight Lifting with High Blood Pressure
Heavy weight lifting has been linked to serious health risks if you have an enlarged heart. Dr. John Elefteriades, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Yale University, says that heavy lifters who bench press 300 to 400 pounds can receive systolic readings of up to 370. Blood pressure levels of that height increase the risk of a condition known as aortic dissection, which occurs when the heart's major artery tears. Dr. Elefteriades advises serious lifters to have their hearts and blood pressure checked and to consult with their doctors before continuing to participate in heavy weight lifting programs.
Safe Weight Lifting Techniques with High Blood Pressure
Instead of lifting fewer repetitions of higher weight amounts, the Mayo Clinic advises lifters to lift lighter weights for more repetitions. In addition, you should not hold your breath while lifting; always stop if you are out of breath or dizzy. Dr. Elefteriades goes further and suggests that lifting above half of your body weight with your upper body can push you into the high blood pressure zone. When lifting for the lower body, going a little over 50 percent of your body weight should be safe.
