Which practice should be avoided when exercising a patient taking ACE inhibitors?

Which practice should be avoided when exercising a patient taking ACE inhibitors?

• A. Rapid postural changes and Valsalva
• B. Gradual warm-up and cool-down
• C. Adequate hydration
• D. Monitoring blood pressure and symptoms

Answer: (A)

ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure and make you more prone to dizziness, especially with sudden changes in posture during or after exercise. The practice to avoid is rapid postural changes and the Valsalva maneuver, since both can sharply reduce venous return and BP, increasing the risk of lightheadedness or fainting while exercising. Treatments like a gradual warm-up and cool-down help the body adjust to activity, adequate hydration supports circulating volume, and monitoring blood pressure and symptoms allows early detection of hypotension or intolerance to exercise. These are beneficial practices to use.

ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure and make you more prone to dizziness, especially with sudden changes in posture during or after exercise. The practice to avoid is rapid postural changes and the Valsalva maneuver, since both can sharply reduce venous return and BP, increasing the risk of lightheadedness or fainting while exercising.

Treatments like a gradual warm-up and cool-down help the body adjust to activity, adequate hydration supports circulating volume, and monitoring blood pressure and symptoms allows early detection of hypotension or intolerance to exercise. These are beneficial practices to use.