Effect of hanging upside down on BP

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009

Q: I suffer from hypertension which is well controlled with medications. I have a spinal problem which would be helped by hanging upside down. Will hanging upside down affect my blood pressure adversely?

A: In my opinion, controlled hypertension is not a contraindication to hanging upside down for a reasonable period of time. Care needs to be taken when you regain an upright position to prevent dizziness. To be safe, you should check with your doctor.