Best Practice Case Studies-Hypertension

Pdf Summary

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common cardiovascular condition in athletes of all ages, with primary hypertension accounting for 95% of cases. It often improves through lifestyle changes; however, some athletes may require medication. Sports medicine physicians play a key role in managing hypertension, determining when it's safe for athletes to resume activities.

Risk factors include gender (more common in males), family history, obesity, glucose intolerance, stress, high salt diet, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco and drug abuse. Diagnosis involves using a properly-fitted blood pressure cuff for accurate readings, and stages of hypertension range from pre-hypertension to stage 2 hypertension.

Treatment aims to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mmHg or 130/80 mmHg if other diseases are present. Lifestyle modifications, such as a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (DASH diet), weight loss, and regular aerobic exercise, are recommended for management. In cases where these measures are insufficient, antihypertensive medications like thiazide diuretics, Renin-angiotensin system blockers, and calcium channel blockers are used, considering their effects on athletic performance and potential side effects.

Medication specifics include:
- <strong>Thiazide diuretics:</strong> First-line in amateur athletes, but may cause electrolyte imbalances.
- <strong>Renin-angiotensin system blockers:</strong> Commonly used without affecting performance; avoid in pregnancy.
- <strong>Calcium channel blockers:</strong> Effective with minimal performance impact, but may cause edema.
- <strong>Alpha and beta blockers</strong> are generally not the first choice for athletes due to side effects like orthostatic hypotension and reduced performance.

Preventing hypertension involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the decision to return to sports is based on blood pressure control and any underlying conditions.

Meta Tag

Edition 2nd Edition

Related Case 2nd Edition, CASE 04

Topic Cardiac

Keywords

2nd Edition, CASE 04

2nd Edition

Cardiac

hypertension

athletes

cardiovascular

lifestyle changes

sports medicine

risk factors

DASH diet

antihypertensive medications

blood pressure control

athletic performance