Who requires medical evaluation for BP management before starting or continuing exercise?

• A. Individuals with stage 1 hypertension (SBP ≥140-<160 or DBP ≥90-<100).
• B. Individuals with prehypertension.
• C. Individuals with normal BP.
• D. All people.

Answer: (A)

The important idea is recognizing when elevated blood pressure warrants medical clearance before exercising. Stage 1 hypertension—SBP around 140–159 or DBP around 90–99—indicates higher cardiovascular risk. In this range, a medical evaluation helps ensure safety, letting a clinician determine whether it’s appropriate to start or continue exercise, adjust intensity, and set any necessary precautions or supervision.

By contrast, someone with prehypertension or normal blood pressure can generally begin or continue a standard exercise program with gradual progression and self-monitoring, since their risk is lower and they don’t typically require medical clearance solely for BP management. Saying all people need medical evaluation would be overly broad, since those with normal BP usually don’t need that step before starting exercise.