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Short-term high-intensity interval training improves micro- but not macrovascular function in hypertensive patients
Simon Twerenbold1, Christoph Hauser1, Josephine Gander1
1Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|February 25, 2023
Summary
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved retinal microvascular function in hypertensive patients within 8 weeks. Arteriolar flicker light-induced dilatation (aFID) proved a sensitive biomarker for exercise efficacy, unlike large artery function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Exercise physiology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Arterial hypertension poses a significant global health challenge, impacting vascular health and increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Assessing endothelial function aids in cardiovascular risk stratification.
- Exercise interventions improve vascular health and reduce overall cardiovascular risk, but the most responsive vascular segments to exercise in at-risk populations remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on macro- and microvascular endothelial function in patients with arterial hypertension.
- To determine if HIIT, as an add-on therapy, can improve endothelial function in hypertensive individuals.
- To identify which vascular bed (macro- or microvascular) is more sensitive to short-term exercise interventions.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with arterial hypertension were randomized into either a HIIT group (3 sessions/week) or a control group (CG) receiving standard physical activity advice.
- Microvascular endothelial function was assessed using arteriolar (aFID) and venular (vFID) flicker light-induced dilatation.
- Macrovascular endothelial function was evaluated using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Assessments were conducted before and after the 8-week intervention period.
Main Results:
- The HIIT group showed significant improvements in arteriolar flicker light-induced dilatation (aFID), indicating enhanced microvascular function (p < 0.001).
- No significant changes in aFID were observed in the control group (p = 0.280).
- Neither group exhibited changes in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), suggesting no impact on large artery endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Arteriolar aFID is a sensitive biomarker for detecting short-term exercise-induced improvements in microvascular function in hypertensive patients.
- An 8-week HIIT program effectively enhances microvascular endothelial function but does not significantly alter large artery endothelial function.
- Dynamic retinal vessel analysis, specifically aFID, shows promise as a valuable tool for monitoring exercise treatment efficacy in hypertension management.
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