Relationship between blood pressure response during hemodialysis and exercise tolerance or heart rate recovery measured using cardio-pulmonary exercise testing in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the association between the blood pressure response during hemodialysis (HD) and exercise tolerance or heart rate recovery (HRR) measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). Methods: The study enrolled 23 patients who had been undergoing 4-h regular maintenance HD. The maximum workload (Loadpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), workload and oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (LoadAT and VO2AT, respectively), and HRR were measured with CPX. The average systolic blood pressure during HD (SBPav) was measured, and the number of times the SBP was less than 100 mmHg was determined in the 2-week period after CPX. Results: The SBPav showed a significant correlation with LoadAT (r = 0.46) and Loadpeak (r = 0.43, p < 0.05). The number of times the SBP was less than 100 mmHg showed a significant correlation with the HRR (r =-0.44, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exercise intolerance and HRR in HD patients may be associated with blood pressure instability during HD.