Along with general considerations for exercise, hypertension necessitates a need to also consider the following potential unique issues:

• If you are taking blood pressure-lowering medication and plan to exercise, continue to take it at your usual time.
• If you feel chest pain, palpitations or fluttering in your chest, or headache, stop exercising and rest. If necessary, seek medical assistance immediately.
• If going on vacation, remember that being in high-altitude location causes increases in blood pressure in people who normally reside in a low-altitude location. Keep this in mind when traveling to a high-altitude location if you plan to exercise or do a great deal of walking. Drink plenty of water.
• Do not sit in the steam room, sauna or hot tub immediately after exercise, especially if taking blood pressure-lowering medications. This can cause your blood pressure to drop significantly and can cause you to faint.
• Do not take a very hot or cold shower after exercise if you are hypertensive. This can cause your blood pressure to decrease or increase too much. Taking a lukewarm shower or bath is best.
• Do not move back and forth between a cold bath or shower and a sauna, steam room or hot tub if you have hypertension. This can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure.