[Significance of the exercise test in hypertensives]

The presence of hypertension is responsible for an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The significance of evaluating variations of blood pressure on exercise in actual or potential hypertensives warrants further consideration. The modes of physiological blood pressure variation on effort and the practical methods of performing an exercise test are well documented and have been the subject of guidelines. Within this framework must be included dynamic exercise tests on ergometric bicycles or with treadmills. From numerous studies it is now possible to better define the predictive and prognostic values of the various modes of blood pressure changes with exercise. Blood pressure measurement on exercise represents an additional investigation in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (coronary or cerebrovascular events). The diagnostic applications of this exercise measurement reveal these prognostic data, and exercise blood pressure measurement is to be recommended in subjects who experience regular significant physical effort.