Your patient is on isosorbide, a nitrate. What is important to do after completing a session of aerobic exercise?

After completing a session of aerobic exercise, it is crucial to gradually decrease the intensity to cool down, especially for patients taking nitrates like isosorbide. Nitrates are used to manage conditions such as angina and may cause vasodilation, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure upon standing or sudden movements. A proper cool-down period helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing up post-exercise, which can lead to dizziness or fainting.

Gradual cool-down with lower intensity activities aids in the transition of the cardiovascular system back to a resting state, allowing for a more controlled decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. This is especially important for geriatric patients who may already have compromised cardiovascular reserve. Thus, integrating a cool-down phase after aerobic exercise aligns well with best practices in geriatric physical therapy and patient safety.