16/07/2024
You should read this post if you have hypertension and taking medication.
Also feel free to share it with someone who's having problems with hypertension, might really need it.
I explained here how most medicines influence your workout, so you can plan appropriately.
Normally, I don't talk much about my work with people sent to me by GP to exercise, but I guess I should do that more. Maybe one of you my people, or someone you know will need that kind of info.
So, here's the list of most commonly prescribed medications for hypertension, how they work and what do you need to keep in mind while planning your workouts with them.
LOSARTAN
Block the receptor of the Angiotensin ll protein, preventing it from raising blood pressure.
Side effects: Raised potassium, Joint or muscle pain, Dizziness, Mild hypotension.
When exercising avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as you may get dizzy.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Vasodilates blood vessels. It makes you urinate more to reduce blood volume.
Side effects: Gastro-Intestinal disturbance, Electrolyte imbalance, Impotence, Postural hypertension, Gout, Leg cramps, Dizziness, Dehydration, Aching legs.
When exercising avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as you may get dizzy. Avoid heavy sweating as you're likely to dehydrate.
AMILORIDE
Retain potassium and is a weak diuretic
Side effects: Gastro-Intestinal discomfort, Leg cramps, Dehydration, Nausea, Headache, Dizziness, Aching legs.
When exercising avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as you may get dizzy. Avoid heavy sweating as you`re likely to dehydrate.
METOPROLOL
Blocks beta receptors of the heart, which causes reduced speed and force contraction of the heart
Side effects: Bradycardia, Hypotension, Heart failure, Fatigue, Gastro-Intestinal disturbance, Sleep disturbances, Rash, Cold feet and hands, Urinary incontinence.
Decreased resting heart rate, Suppressed heart rate response to exercise, Reduce exercise capacity as you` re easy to feel fatigue.
QUINAPRIL Preventing angiotensin I being converted to angiotensin I which causes circulatory volume retention. These improves left ventricular function
Side effects: Hypotension, Dry cough, Renal impairment, Nausea, Fever, Rash, Headache, Fatigue, Dizziness
Avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as you will get dizzy, Irritating cough, Fatigue
NIFEDIPINE
Reduce the flow of calcium to the vascular smooth muscle causing a weaker contraction and relaxation of the blood vessel.
Side effects: Ankle swelling, Ankle and foot pain, Flushing to the face, Bradycardia, Headaches, Constipation, Urinary frequency in men, Muscle cramps.
Avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as you will get dizzy, Cramps, Fatigue
PRAZOSIN
Blocking the effect of noradrenaline in peripheral arteries and smooth muscles. This will see a reduction in resistance to blood flow.
Side effects: Postural hypotension, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Headache, Vertigo, Nausea, Fatigue, Depression.
Avoid fast postural changes and sudden standstill as You will get dizzy, Syncope
P. S. I have to confess that years ago, when I was studying for my GP Exercise Referral diploma, it was a real pain in the ass to learn about all of these health conditions (and it's a lot of them, trust me😅), medications, the way they work and side effects, test results interpretation etc. But actually it's satisfying to work with people and make an actual positive impact on their life.
