Attenuation of exaggerated exercise blood pressure response in African-American women by regular aerobic physical activity.
BACKGROUND
A hyperreactive blood pressure response to exercise is a predictor of developing hypertension. The present study determined the influence of physical activity on an exaggerated exercise blood pressure response (EEBPR) in normotensive African-American women.


METHODS
We screened 36 women 18-26 years of age for EEBPR defined as a > or = 50 mm Hg difference in systolic blood pressure at rest and during exercise at 50% peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Seven subjects demonstrated an EEBPR and participated in the study. Study participants trained for eight weeks on a bicycle ergometer at a work intensity of 70% VO2peak. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) were determined at baseline and during submaximal exercise at power outputs of 30 W and 50% VO2peak. Subjects served as their own controls, and data were evaluated by using a paired t test at P<.05.


RESULTS
Effectiveness of the intervention was shown by a significantly greater VO2peak associated with significant decrements in systolic and mean arterial pressures at power outputs of 30 W and 50% VO2peak. A significant decrement in heart rate was observed during exercise at 30 W. Significant increments in CO and SV and decrement in TPR were found during exercise at 50% VO2peak.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction in TPR associated with regular aerobic physical activity may attenuate the EEBPR and decrease the risk for hypertension in normotensive, young-adult, African-American women.
Bond
Vernon
V
Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Health, Human Performance & Leisure Studies, Washington, DC 20059, USA. vbond@howard.edu
Millis
Richard M
RM
Adams
R George
RG
Oke
Luc M
LM
Enweze
Larry
L
Blakely
Raymond
R
Banks
Marshall
M
Thompson
Terry
T
Obisesan
Thomas
T
Sween
Jennifer C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004219:District of Columbia; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D018570:Risk Assessment