Blood pressure changes during the game of squash.
The extent and pattern of the blood pressure response to the playing of squash was studied in five healthy volunteers using intra-arterial blood pressure recordings. Systolic pressure increased more than diastolic, but by only 18% of basal, peaking 5.2 +/- 2.3 min into the game (mean game duration 49 +/- 4 min). Thereafter there was a progressive decline, with reducing pulse pressure towards basal. There was a marked and significant increase in beat-by-beat blood pressure variability (P less than 0.01) and systolic peaks of up to 200 mmHg were recorded. A peak heart rate of 171 +/- 25 beats min-1 occurred at 20 min. These findings do not support the concept of a disproportionate and prolonged pressor response induced by playing squash. The possibility of high single-beat systolic peaks still justifies some caution in subjects at risk of arterial rupture.
Brigden
G S
GS
Cardiology Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K.
Hughes
L O
LO
Broadhurst
P
P
Raftery
E B
EB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D015865:Racquet Sports; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted