Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. If you are in a cardiac rehab program, you are probably taking medicines for your heart and for other health reasons. Some prescribed medicines can change your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall ability to exercise. It's important for your rehab team to know what medicines you take. Give your rehab team a list of the medicines you are taking, especially if they cause any side effects during exercise. This table lists medicines that you might be taking and how they affect exercise. Medicine Affect heart rate (HR)? Affect blood pressure (BP)? Affect exercise capacity? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors No Lower BP No Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) No Lower BP No Antiarrhythmic agents May lower HR, depending on the type of medicine No No Beta-blockers Lower HR Lower BP Decrease, but may increase if you have angina Bronchodilators Raise HR No Increase capacity Calcium channel blockers Raise or lower HR (depending on the drug) Lower BP No Digoxin Lower HR No Increase, if atrial fibrillation or heart failure is present Diuretics No Lower BP No Statins No No No Nitrates (nitroglycerin) Raise HR Lower BP Increase, if angina is present Vasodilators Raise HR Lower BP (raises BP after exercise) No Medicines for anxiety or depression may affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Medicine and Exercise
Overview
Which medicines affect exercise?
Anxiety and depression medicines
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardCardiac Rehabilitation: Medicine and Exercise
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.