Hypertension in athletes and active patients: tailoring treatment to the patient.
Understanding the hemodynamic responses to exercise in normotensive and hypertensive persons allows physicians to effectively treat hypertension in active people and athletes. If lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and moderation of sodium intake along with continued exercise are not effective, drug therapy can be added. Nonselective beta-blockers and diuretics may impair performance; cardioselective beta-1 blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and alpha-1 blockers are less likely to hinder exercise. Therapy tailored to the type and intensity of a patient's exercise and the stage of hypertension may allow him or her to participate safely without compromising performance.
Macknight
J M
JM
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.