Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
Are transient increases in blood pressure during the treadmill stress test associated with headache?
T Thomaides1, T Karapanayiotides, A Spantideas
1Department of Neurology, 'Pammakaristos' Hospital, Athens, Greece. thomaides@ath.forthnet.gr
Insights
Transient blood pressure increases during exercise can trigger headaches, particularly in women. For non-hypertensive individuals, a diastolic blood pressure rise over 27% is linked to headaches, while hypertensive patients may experience headaches at higher absolute diastolic pressures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Headache is a common condition, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) fluctuations, especially during physical exertion, remains an area of interest.
- Understanding the triggers for exercise-induced headaches is crucial for managing patient care and improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between transient blood pressure increases induced by a treadmill stress test and the occurrence of headache.
- To compare headache incidence and BP responses across non-hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers, hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A treadmill stress test was employed to provoke hypertension in three groups: non-hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers (Ce), hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers (HyCe), and healthy controls (C).
- Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, absolute and relative changes) and headache occurrence were monitored during the test.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare headache incidence and BP parameters between groups and within subgroups based on headache development.
Main Results:
- Headache occurrence did not differ significantly between the three groups, but women reported headaches more frequently than men.
- Individuals who developed headaches during the test exhibited higher absolute diastolic BP and greater absolute and relative increases in diastolic BP.
- In non-hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers, a relative diastolic BP increase exceeding 27% was associated with headache, whereas in hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers, absolute diastolic BP values appeared more critical.
Conclusions:
- The development of headache during dynamic exercise is not directly linked to a personal history of headache or hypertension.
- Specific patterns of blood pressure increase during exercise, particularly relative diastolic pressure rise in non-hypertensives and absolute diastolic pressure in hypertensives, are associated with headache occurrence.
- Sex is a significant factor, with women experiencing exercise-induced headaches more frequently than men.
Abstract:
We aimed to investigate whether transient increases in blood pressure (BP) are associated with headache, by provoking hypertension in 50 non-hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers (Ce), 50 hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers (HyCe) and 50 healthy subjects (C) with a treadmill stress test. Occurrence of headache among groups did not differ (P = 0.81); however, women developed headache more frequently than men (P < 0.0001). The 35 individuals who developed headache during the test compared with those who did not (regardless of their original group) had higher absolute diastolic BP and higher absolute and relative diastolic BP increase during the test (P < 0.0001). HyCe patients that developed headache had higher diastolic BP than those that did not (P < 0.002). For each group, the absolute/relative mean increases of systolic/diastolic BP did not differ between patients that developed headache and those that did not excepting relative diastolic BP increase in Ce (28% vs. 15%, P = 0.006). The appearance of headache during dynamic exercise is not associated with a history of headache or hypertension. In non-hypertensive cephalalgia sufferers, relative diastolic BP increases of >27% are associated with headache attacks whereas in HyCe sufferers absolute diastolic BP values may be more important.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Increased pulse rate
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction