Management of Hypertension.

Abstract

In brief Current recommendations for brief managing mild to very severe high blood pressure need to be adapted for the special concerns of physically active patients. First-line treatment involves dietary changes, smoking cessation, and aerobic exercise. The next step is to add drug therapy, and diuretics and beta-blockers are the initial drugs of choice because of their proven long-term efficacy. Diuretics may, however, produce hypokalemia or dehydration, and beta- blockers may cause hyperkalemia, reduce exercise capacity, or increase perceived exertion. Other antihypertensive agents may be preferable in specific situations.