HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT IN ATHLETES

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a condition that affects the arteries, where the force of the blood pushing against the artery is consistently high Blood Pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, the normal range should be 130/80 mmHg.

Hypertension is a very common condition in the general population as well as athletes Regular physical activities cause fluctuation in blood pressure Hence, hypertension remains the most common condition in athletes. Athletes are usually thought to be free of heart-related issues because of their high level of fitness. However, the risk has increased in the past few years, commonly in heavy weight category sports and wheelchair athletes Hypertension can also occur in female athletes who are into oral contraceptive pills The on and off season also contributes

ByCharmiThakker

to this condition, as the intake of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, caffeine, diet pills, etc can cause an increase in blood pressure Epidemiology studies have shown that physical activity and cardio respiratory fitness are inversely related to blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension. World Antidoping Agency has banned certain substances which contribute to elevating blood pressure Example: Beta blockers

Few risk factors:

High sodium intake: high sodium in diet disrupts the natural sodium balance in the body, which causes fluid retention which increases the blood pressure

Excess alcohol consumption: during drinking alcohol can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure.