Exercise-Induced Hypertension Is Associated with Cardiac Remodeling in Middle-Aged Male Long-Distance Runners: A
Young-Joo Kim1, Han-Soo Park2, Sang-Hyun Nam3
1School of Sports Science, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 02844, Republic of Korea.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) in middle-aged male runners is associated with cardiac remodeling, including larger left atrial diameter and left ventricular mass. Early diastolic function may also be affected, suggesting potential cardiovascular implications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) is linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- The impact of EIH on cardiac structure and function in middle-aged endurance athletes is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiac remodeling and diastolic function in middle-aged male endurance runners with and without EIH.
- To explore correlations between exercise blood pressure and cardiac parameters.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 73 male long-distance runners (40-65 years).
- Classification into EIH group (n=35) and non-EIH group (n=38) based on maximal systolic blood pressure during exercise testing.
- Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac structure (LAD, LV wall thickness, LVM, LVMI) and diastolic function (E/E' ratio).
Main Results:
- The EIH group showed significantly greater left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular mass (LVM), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) compared to the non-EIH group.
- No significant differences in systolic function were observed between groups.
- The E/E' ratio was higher in the EIH group, indicating subclinical diastolic dysfunction.
- LAD and LVMI correlated with maximal systolic blood pressure (SBPmax).
Conclusions:
- Exaggerated exercise blood pressure responses in middle-aged endurance runners are associated with cardiac remodeling and early diastolic alterations.
- Findings suggest potential subclinical cardiovascular changes in athletes with EIH.
- Causal relationships require further investigation with longitudinal studies.
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