Beta-blockers may be a poor choice

[Smoky]

Beta-blockers may be a poor choice as an antihypertensive medication for patients who engage in vigorous exercise
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO. This review of the effect of blood-pressure-lowering drugs on exercise performance found that the converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and alpha-blockers have the least potential for adverse effects. Beta-blockers and the CCB, verapamil, were found to impair left ventricular function during exercise. The CCB's nifedipine and diltiazem preserved myocardial contractility better while other antihypertensive agents had negligible effects. Beta-blockers and CCB's (verapamil and diltiazem) have mild antiarrhythmic properties and may provide some protection against ventricular tachycardia. Beta-blockers however, reduce time to exhaustion - nonselective beta-blockers to a greater extent than selective beta-blockers.

Chick, Thomas W., et al. The effect of antihypertensive medications on exercise performance: a review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Vol. 20, No. 5, October 1988, pp.447- 52

[enzo1]

The best hands down medication for hypertension if it works for you is Lopressor/ Metoprolol. They give it to you as a protocol if your having a heart attack along with aspirin and other goodies. It actually preserves heart function by dilating the blood vessels by inhibiting function of catecholamines; however some people can become lethargic b/c of the low heart rate. I have met many people who do not have this type of reaction to Beta Blockers and Metoprolol. If your a white male I have read many studies suggesting ace inhibitors work well for caucasian population, not sure if it is true though.

[RipdnTxs2]

Wherer does Benicar fit in with these????