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Altered hemodynamics during exercise in older essential hypertensive subjects
S J Montain1, S M Jilka, A A Ehsani
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Older adults with hypertension exhibit altered cardiovascular responses during exercise, including higher blood pressure and peripheral resistance. However, their myocardial demands remain within safe limits for typical rehabilitation programs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hypertension is prevalent in older adults, impacting cardiovascular function.
- Understanding exercise hemodynamics in this population is crucial for safe and effective rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare resting and exercise hemodynamics in older adults with moderate hypertension versus normotensive controls.
- To assess cardiovascular responses to exercise in hypertensive older adults.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 31 hypertensive and 28 normotensive older adults.
- Measurements included resting and exercise hemodynamics, body composition, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2).
Main Results:
- Hypertensive subjects had higher resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to increased total peripheral resistance.
- During exercise, hypertensive subjects showed lower cardiac output and stroke volume, but similar VO2 and heart rate.
- Elevated blood pressure and total peripheral resistance persisted during exercise in the hypertensive group.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with hypertension demonstrate distinct cardiovascular adjustments during exercise compared to their normotensive peers.
- Exercise at typical rehabilitation intensities does not appear to impose excessive myocardial demands on older essential hypertensive individuals.