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The Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Response During Exercise Testing with Microcirculation Indices
Ioannis Liatakis1, Kyriakos Dimitriadis2, Eleni Manta1
1First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Vas. Sofias 114, 11527, Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
Hypertension is associated with changes in microcirculation, while increased blood pressure (BP) during exercise stress testing has been correlated with adverse outcomes.
Aim:
To evaluate the relationship of microcirculation with exercise BP response in hypertensive individuals.
Methods:
105 hypertensive individuals underwent exercise stress testing and nail-fold videocapillaroscopy assessment, in order to evaluate the relationship of BP response to exercise with capillary density.
Results:
A significant negative correlation between diastolic BP at 1-minute recovery and capillary density was revealed (Pearson's r = -0.365, p = 0.043). A significant negative correlation was also observed between capillary density and peak heart rate (HR) (Pearson's r = -0.364, p = 0.024) and HR increase from stage 1 to 2 (Pearson's r = -0.746, p = 0.013).
Conclusion:
Capillary rarefaction is associated with an abnormal BP and HR response to exercise, highlighting the role of microcirculation in BP regulation during exercise.
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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
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The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
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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.

