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A walking program's attenuation of cardiovascular reactivity in older adults with silent myocardial ischemia

Serina A Neumann1, Jessica R P Brown, Shari R Waldstein

  • 1Dept. of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|May 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Regular walking can reduce blood pressure reactions to stress in older adults with silent myocardial ischemia (SI). This aerobic exercise intervention improved cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) and may lower future coronary event risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Silent myocardial ischemia (SI) is linked to higher coronary event risk.
  • Elevated cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to stress is associated with SI severity and future coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Understanding interventions to mitigate CVR in older adults with SI is crucial for cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a 6-month walking program on cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) in older adults with exercise-induced silent myocardial ischemia (SI).
  • To compare changes in blood pressure and heart rate reactivity to laboratory stressors between an exercise group and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • 25 older adults with exercise-induced SI were randomized to a 6-month walking program or a control group.
  • Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to three laboratory stressors was assessed before and after the intervention.
  • Maximal aerobic capacity, systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity, and heart rate (HR) reactivity were measured.

Main Results:

  • The walking group showed a significant 12% improvement in maximal aerobic capacity, while the control group decreased by 8% (p < .001).
  • Walkers exhibited significantly reduced DBP reactivity post-intervention (4 +/- 2 mm Hg) compared to controls (11 +/- 2 mm Hg; p = .05).
  • No significant differences in SBP or HR reactivity were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • A 6-month walking intervention can significantly attenuate diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity to emotional stressors in older adults with silent myocardial ischemia (SI).
  • Increased physical activity, specifically walking, shows potential for mitigating adverse cardiovascular responses to stress in this population.
  • These findings suggest a non-pharmacological approach to reduce cardiovascular risk associated with SI.

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