Exercise and Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure responds nicely to exercise, and I encourage all of my patients with high blood pressure to exercise regularly.  This can, however, cause problems for people taking blood pressure medication.  All blood pressure medications have the potential to cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which can be exacerbated by exercise.  In addition to that, beta blockers, medications such as Toprol (metoprolol), Bystolic (nebivolol), Coreg (carvedilol), and Corgard (nadolol), can lower your heart rate, which can make it harder to assess your exercise intensity if you are using a heart rate monitor during exercise.  For diabetics taking beta blockers, the beta blockers can mask symptoms of low blood sugar, so they will need to be particularly vigilant to avoid any unwanted complications from exercise.

Remember: before starting an exercise program, talk with your doctor first.