High Blood Pressure and its Medical Treatment

An Opinion

This article is not presented to you to preach about the numerous studies which have resulted in hypertensive individuals reducing blood pressure with exercise. This article is presented to you because of two reasons.

First, because of the prevalence and hidden dangers of the disease, it is estimated that one our of every four persons will have abnormally high blood pressure at some time in their lives. The exact cause of Hypertension is still uncertain and may be different in each individual. Hypertension can go unnoticed for years. Uncorrected chronic hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) can lead to heart failure, myocardial infarction (i.e., damage to the heart) or a stroke.

Second, because of a commonly prescribed type of drug used to treat hypertension. The type of drug I am referring to is called “Beta-Blockade”. Many times I have come across individuals starting a fitness program with hypertension controlled by beta-blockade medication. Beta-Blockade type medications are very effective medications for reducing high blood pressure, but I have one problem with that particular type of medication. I will explain. My colleagues and I spend our days and nights making individuals more physically fit. We work with individuals to get their muscles flexing and their hearts pumping. A problem arises when an individual is taking Beta-Blockade. Beta-Blockade type medicines control hypertension by preventing the heart from pumping stronger and pumping more frequently, especially during physical work, stress, or exercise. It is almost as if the heart is put under sedation. Yes, the person can still exercise, but not nearly as efficiently as if they were not taking Beta-Blockade. How can an individual keep their heart strong and healthy if it is always under sedation? Do not take this the wrong way, many physicians have individuals taking Beta-Blockade for other reasons or for hypertension with complications.

However, “IT IS MY OPINION”, that Beta-Blockade should be the last line of defense in the medical treatment of non-complicated mild to moderate hypertension. There are plenty of other anti-hypertension medications that reduce blood pressure effectively with even less side affects. Diuretics act on the kidneys to reduce the volume of blood in the blood vessel system to reduce blood pressure. ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers, central nervous system acting, and sympatholytics are all drugs that control the peripheral blood vessel diameter (i.e., enhance dilation or prevent constriction) in order to control blood pressure.

Caution! If you are taking Beta-Blockade medication DO NOT STOP! It is dangerous to suddenly stop Beta-Blockade. If you feel the need to change any of your medications, always consult your physician first. If you ever are going to be treated for hypertension, bring this topic up with your doctor before starting any medications.

References:

• (1991) McArdler, Katch, and Katch. Exercise Physiology. 3rd Ed. Lea & Febiger. Malvern, PA.
• (1988)American Medical Association. Guide to Prescription and
  Over-The-Counter Drugs. Random House. NY.

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