High Blood Pressure in the Competitive Athlete: Guidelines and Recommendations

In brief: Since short-term adverse effects of hypertension in competitive athletes have not been reported, it seems reasonable to permit most athletes with mild to moderate hypertension to participate in organized sports, Mild hypertension may be managed by restricting sodium intake, controlling weight, and using relaxation techniques. Some sympathetic inhibiting agents are preferable as first-step drugs because they lower arterial pressure at rest and during exercise. Occasionally small-dose diuretics may be added, usually with potassium supplements. Long-term observation of hypertensive athletes is needed to determine the presence or absence of late harmful effects of increased arterial pressure and exercise.