The masters athlete and use of antihypertensive medications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Department/School
Health Promotion and Human Performance
Publication Title
Postgraduate Medicine
Abstract
Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular condition in recreational athletes, especially older (masters) athletes. The interacting effects of hypertension, cardiac adaptation to endurance training, and antihypertensive medications on exercise performance are complex and of relevance to athletes, trainers, and health care providers. Cardiac adaptations occur in response to aging and endurance training, and findings may overlap with pathologic cardiac remodeling. This review summarizes the influence of antihypertensive medications on exercise performance, which can include both hemodynamic and metabolic effects, and includes practical considerations in choice of antihypertensive agent for the masters endurance athlete. Whereas the overriding priority for choice of antihypertensive is control of hypertension and improving clinical outcomes, other considerations regarding effects on exercise performance may also influence the choice of agent.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Wu, A. H., Patzsch, R., & Cornett, A. (2024). The masters athlete and use of antihypertensive medications. Postgraduate Medicine, 136(8), 823–832. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2024.2426449
Comments
A. Cornett is a faculty member in EMU's School of Health Promotion and Human Performance.