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.