Rides and High Blood Pressure

[MichelleB]

I had no idea where to post this. I have recently started with high blood pressure. I am going to WDW in 1 wk and am wondering if it's safe to ride some of the rides like Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, etc. I have ridden these rides in the past and I know it says it can basically make the condition worse, but since I've done these in the past, do you think I should be concerned? Anyone ever had this happen? What did you do? I could do without them if it weren't for my DD. My DH gets sick really easy and can't ride these rides and I am the one that takes her. These rides are her favorites and I want to take her on them, but don't know if I should.

 

[Chuck S]

My Mom is 79 and is on blood pressure meds. She does all the rides (exept ToT). First thing I would do is ask your doctor. Then, I'd be monitoring my BP prior to the trip, since you are new to this med, to make sure it has the desired effect. If your BP seems to be under control and you are tolerating the medication well, and since you know what to expect on the rides...then you'll probably be OK. But again, I would be sure to ask my doctor prior to the trip.

 

[mtdevine615]

I also have high BP, well it would be high if I weren't on meds. now it's normal. But I did ask my DR. this question and he said go for it. You didn't say if you were taking meds. but I wouldn't worry too much. Have a great time.

 

[paladin]

I have high blood pressure and am on meds for it. The signs for the "thrill" rides say that you shouldn't ride with high blood pressure (which is something new, they haven't always said that), but I have ridden most of these rides with no problem. I haven't been on Mission: Space yet, so I can't comment on that, but I do have a problem with RnR - it gives me a headache (and it comes on right at the beginning with the fast start (g forces apparently don't agree with me - guess I can cross astronaut off my list of things I would like to be!)

 

[MichelleB]

I am not on medication for high blood pressure yet. I need to go to the dr. for it. My bp goes up and down frequently. They put me on a mild dose last time and my bp went so low they had to take me off. I've been monitoring it at home to track it but haven't been back to the dr. yet. Still think this is ok??? Thank you guys so much for all your help!

 

[Chuck S]

Hmmm...

Since you aren't on meds and your pressure seems to be fluctuating I would monitor my BP closely before leaving AND take my pressure every morning at WDW. If it stabilizes at a near normal level prior to your trip, and remains stable after you arrive, then I'd do the rides. If it starts to fluctuate again, then no, I would not ride the intense attractions.

 

[paladin]

And it certainly wouldn't hurt to get your doctor's opinion before you go.

 

[Safari Steve]

I would not take the chance. The warnings are there for a reason, and if you have a negative reaction (past experiences do not guarantee anything) you're ultimately responsible. How old is your daughter? Is she a thrill seeker? All the thrill rides have a last-chance "chicken exit" so you can go through the queue with her and then head to the unloading point to wait while she actually rides.
Which is worse, having your daughter ride space mountain alone once, or risking her having to ride everything alone on her next trip

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Well....I know it's probably not a good idea to soak a long time in the hot tubs. That is known to raise blood pressure.

I really don't see the actual rides as a problem. Some people get all stressed out at WDW as they try to see and do EVERYTHING. Will you be able to relax while on vacation ?
Does everyone in your family prefer to tour commando style ? That could be a problem. Packing and getting to the airport on time can raise anyone's blood pressure.

I am on blood pressure meds, and I didn't have any problems. One year, on a solo vacation, my doctor had increased my meds just 3 days before my vacation. He felt that the current dosage was just not working well enough. So each day, in each park, I stopped at the nurse's office just to have my blood pressure checked. I just explained that my dosage was recently increased, and I should keep track of it. They treated me very well, and it only took a few minutes each time.

 

[MichelleB]

Thank you everyone! I am going to make an appt. tomorrow and get on the meds and also ask my dr. what he thinks.

 

[Poohbear123]

And I am still on medication for it....Triameterine and Altenyol. I have to admit, I am cautious of what rides I go on now, but do still ride ToT and Splash Mountain. I would AVOID Mission SPACE, and Rock N Roller. Thats a good tip about testing the Blood Pressure, I might do that this trip to see if I am OK.