Dynamic exercise response in hypertensive adolescents

Abstract

The cardiovascular response to dynamic exercise in adolescents with borderline hypertension was compared to normotensive adolescents. All subjects exercised to exhaustion (HR=200) on a treadmill utilizing the multistage Bruce protocol. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during exercise and recovery. The hypertensive population of 15 subjects had significantly greater baseline blood pressure (p < .01). Heart rate (HR) was greater in hypertensive girls. The product of systolic blood pressure x heart rate (SBP x HR) was greater in hypertensive than control during exercise (p < .05). The sharp decline of (SBP x HR) at onset of recovery was similar in all groups. During vigorous exercise diastolic pressure decreased in all subjects with no difference between control and hypertensives. These findings indicate that adolescents with mild hypertension have higher SBP and HR at rest and recovery which is consistent with a hyperkinetic cardiovascular state. However, they also have a normal diastolic pressure reponse to exercise and a normal (SBP x HR) recovery rate.