Which maneuver should be avoided during hypertension exercise, according to the guidelines?

• A. Hydration during exertion
• B. Valsalva maneuver
• C. Hold breath during exertion
• D. Rapid shallow breathing

Answer: (B)

During hypertension exercise, breathing technique directly influences how hard the heart has to work. The maneuver to avoid is holding the breath and bearing down during effort, known as the Valsalva maneuver. This creates a sharp rise in intrathoracic pressure, spikes blood pressure, and reduces venous return to the heart, which can place excessive stress on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or more serious events in people with high blood pressure. A safer approach is to breathe steadily, exhaling during the exertion phase and inhaling as you ease the effort. Hydration helps support performance and safety, while holding the breath is the specific pattern to avoid. Rapid shallow breathing is not ideal, but it does not produce the same acute pressure surge as the Valsalva maneuver.