Hypertension, β-Adrenoceptor Blocking Agents and Exercise

Abstract

Studies have shown that regular exercise may contribute to a lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The extent of the blood pressure reduction, however, appears to be limited and will in most cases be insufficient to normalize blood pressure in these patients. Therefore, many of the physically active hypertensive patients will be treated with antihypertensive agents.

Treatment of physically active patients with uncomplicated hypertension with beta-blocking agents has disadvantages, since these agents reduce exercise capacity and may affect trainability in a negative way. β₁-Selective blockers have less pronounced effects than β₁₊₂-blockers and may be acceptable for some patients. In patients with very high systolic blood pressures during exercise and those with impaired oxygen delivery to the heart during exercise β₁-selective blockers may have advantages over other antihypertensive agents, since they very effectively reduce systolic blood pressure and heart rate during exercise.

Key words

Hypertension - antihypertensive treatment - exercise capacity - training - beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents