ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with effects of antihypertensive drugs on physical performance. It focuses on the effects of ß-adrenoceptor blocking agents because they are at present widely prescribed, especially for young hypertensive patients who are often physically active. The chapter discusses the effects of diuretics and ß-adrenoceptor blocking agents on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The mode of action of physical training in borderline hypertension involves a normalization of the hyperkinetic circulation, and a more economic myocardial work and oxygen consumption. Well tolerated, prescribing ß-blocking agents to physically active persons may involve some side effects which may cause a reduction in the physical fitness of the patients due both to the hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of ß-blockade. In addition to ß-blocking agents, reserpin, diuretics, alpha-methyldopa, Clonidine, and prazosin are useful antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of mild hypertension, whereas hydralazine should not be used alone because of reflex tachycardia and an increase in cardiac output.
