Which statement best describes a relative contraindication for exercise based on symptomatic orthostatic hypotension?

Which statement best describes a relative contraindication for exercise based on symptomatic orthostatic hypotension?

• A. Orthostatic blood pressure drop greater than 20 mmHg with symptoms.
• B. Stable BP with no symptoms during upright posture.
• C. Increase in diastolic BP with no symptoms.
• D. Decrease in heart rate with exercise.

Answer: (A)

When standing, some people experience a drop in blood pressure that reduces blood flow to the brain. If that drop is large—about a 20 mmHg fall in systolic pressure—and it comes with symptoms such as dizziness or faintness, there’s a real risk of lightheadedness or loss of balance during exercise. Because of that risk, exercising is considered a relative contraindication until the orthostatic issue is investigated and managed. In practice, you’d pause the activity, address potential causes (hydration, medications, gradual position changes), and possibly modify the program to seated or supine activities or postpone until blood pressure stabilizes. The other scenarios described do not show the symptomatic orthostatic decline that raises safety concerns, so they don’t carry the same precaution.

When standing, some people experience a drop in blood pressure that reduces blood flow to the brain. If that drop is large—about a 20 mmHg fall in systolic pressure—and it comes with symptoms such as dizziness or faintness, there’s a real risk of lightheadedness or loss of balance during exercise. Because of that risk, exercising is considered a relative contraindication until the orthostatic issue is investigated and managed. In practice, you’d pause the activity, address potential causes (hydration, medications, gradual position changes), and possibly modify the program to seated or supine activities or postpone until blood pressure stabilizes. The other scenarios described do not show the symptomatic orthostatic decline that raises safety concerns, so they don’t carry the same precaution.