question: Is there any proof that it is unhealthy for an athlete who has a low pulse rate because of aerobic exercise but also has blood pressure of appr. 140/96? I think I'm in excellent health because of my life style but have these symptoms and I've seen that there are many other athletes with the same symptoms. Maybe this is normal for athletes and taking blood pressure medicine for them is unnecessary and even harmful. Could it be that the higher blood pressure in athletes is the body's healthy reaction to an athlete's muscles being in need of more blood?