Tag: fitness safety
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Heavy Lifting and Blood Pressure Spikes: Who Is At Risk and Safer Alternatives
Why heavy lifting can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes Maximal weight lifting places substantial demands on the cardiovascular system. During intense lifts, particularly when lifters use the Valsalva maneuver (holding breath during exertion), intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressures rise sharply. This can transiently compress major blood vessels and force the heart to work harder, causing systolic…
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Valsalva Retinopathy: Vision Loss After Lifting Weights
What is Valsalva Retinopathy? Valsalva retinopathy is a rare but important eye condition caused by a sudden rise in pressure in the chest and abdomen. This pressure surge can force tiny blood vessels in the retina to rupture, leading to a preretinal or intraretinal hemorrhage that temporarily blurs or blocks vision. The event is typically…