Exercise is a stressor. During exercise, heart rate, blood pressure & breathing rate are some of the physiologic adaptations our bodies have to go through to cope with exercise. On this note, if you are an individual with no known heart condition(s), exercising at moderate-maximum heart rate, shouldn’t present you with a high risk of danger related to a cardiac event.
For persons with known heart condition(s) however, exercise at moderate-maximum heart rate can be dangerous. Likewise, if the same individual is on Beta Blockers, and exercise beyond what should be his/her ideal or safe range, then this individual can experience a life-threatening outcome.
The American Council on Exercise article (July, 2024): How to Help Clients Who Have Heart-related Concerns Exercise Safely, expertly highlight ‘safe’ & applicable exercise tips, persons on Beta Blockers can apply. Through their guest contributor- Professor Emeritus, John P. Porcari (Exercise & Sport Science at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse), readers of their article (health & fitness professionals) can learn of techniques to apply towards the design of exercise programs/workouts for persons on Beta Blockers.
What Are Beta Blockers?
“Beta-blockers, as a class of drugs, are primarily used to treat cardiovascular diseases and other conditions. Beta-blockers are indicated and have FDA approval for the treatment of tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, essential tremor, aortic dissection, portal hypertension, glaucoma, migraine prophylaxis, and other conditions.” Farzam K, Jan A. Beta Blockers. [Updated 2023 Aug 22].
About The Author
Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.
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