Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing-Guided Exercise Therapy in Hypertensive Patients: A Single Center Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Hypertension Management

Background:

• Hypertension management often involves pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can guide personalized exercise interventions.
• The impact of CPET-guided cardiac rehabilitation on comprehensive cardiovascular markers in hypertension requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CPET-guided cardiac rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation in Grade 1 hypertensive patients.
• To assess the effects on cardiorespiratory function, blood pressure, blood pressure variability, and lipid metabolism.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 67 patients with Grade 1 hypertension on antihypertensive drugs.
• Participants were allocated to either conventional cardiac rehabilitation or CPET-guided rehabilitation for 12 weeks.
• Key parameters including blood pressure, cardiorespiratory indicators, lipid profile, and BMI were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The CPET group demonstrated significantly lower blood pressure and improved cardiac indicators compared to the conventional group.
• Greater improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance indicators were observed in the CPET group.
• Significant reductions in LDL-C, TC, TG, and BMI were noted in the CPET group post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• CPET-guided cardiac rehabilitation is an effective and safe adjunct to pharmacotherapy for managing Grade 1 hypertension.
• This intervention improves blood pressure control, cardiorespiratory function, lipid profiles, and exercise endurance.
• The findings support the clinical value and promotion of CPET-guided cardiac rehabilitation in hypertensive patients.