Exercise Limitations
Being that hypertension is a condition which can lead to life-threatening cardiac events, it is important to recognize the exercise limitations of individuals who have high blood pressure in order to maintain and improve their health without possible complications. If an individual is additionally overweight or obese, weight considerations and physical abilities also need to be taken into account when determining the limitations of the individual. In some cases exercise testing may be recommended prior to beginning an exercise program.
Limitations of Exercise for Individuals With Hypertension
- People with higher than normal blood pressure without hypertension should not have to worry about exercise limitations in most cases
- People with controlled mild to moderate hypertension should have no limitations on dynamic exercises but may possibly need to limit isometric exercises
- People with uncontrolled hypertension should restrict themselves to low intensity dynamic exercises and avoid isometric exercises
- Individuals with uncontrolled stage 2 hypertension, unstable angina, and uncontrolled diabetes should not participate in exercise until stabilizing their conditions and being cleared with their physician
Some medications commonly used to control blood pressure may alter a person's exercise capacity and must be taken into account when beginning an exercise regimine.
- Diuretics have been associated with a slight loss of endurance in patients using these medications
- Dehydration is also common in patients taking diuretics which can lead to muscle cramping
- The most common side effect of ACE inhibitors during exercise is a dry-unproductive cough
- ARBs have not been found to have any significant effect on exercise capacity
- Beta-Blockers decrease contractility of the heart and the heart rate and therefore increase perceived exertion during exercise
- Calcium Channel Blockers have been found to increase exercise capacity in individuals with angina and have little to no effect on individuals without angina
Limitations for Obese Individuals
- Studies show that there is a possibility of increase in joint and musculoskeletal injuries to the lower body for some obese individuals
- More importantly the benefits of the exercise in the form of weight loss actually reduce the incidence of injury in obese individuals
- Considerations should be made when determining intensity and duration of exercise as to not put too much stress on the cardiovascular system which is likely more damaged than an individual of healthy weight