Hypertensive response to exercise and exercise training in hypertension: odd couple no more

Abstract

The diagnostic and prognostic implication of exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise has been controversial, with opinions ranging from a benign process to a harbinger of potential cardiovascular morbidity. Nonetheless, lowering of blood pressure and prevention of hypertension is in first instance preferable by lifestyle changes, and many studies have shown the inverse association between physical activity level and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases suggesting low aerobic fitness as a strong predictor for future cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in both healthy and cardiovascular disease patients, including those with hypertension.Endothelial function, large artery stiffness and neurohormonal response are surely implicated both in the development of exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise and in the positive effect of physical exercise in the prevention and management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in general.In their interesting and well documented review published in this issue Kim and Ha broadly described the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise and its clinical implications: in this regard, a very interesting issue could be represented by the role of exercise training. In fact, there is an the ample evidence in the literature that physical activity could positively affect endothelial function, arterial stiffness, neurohormonal response and finally blood pressure levels both in healthy men and in hypertensive patients and so should be considered a very important element in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

NOS3 Polymorphisms Can Influence the Effect of Multicomponent Training on Blood Pressure, Nitrite Concentration and Physical Fitness in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Older Adult Women

“…High BP is a risk factor for disability and mortality from cardiovascular disease ( Jafar et al, 2017 ). Its reduction and the prevention of hypertension are in the first instance preferable through lifestyle changes ( Caldarone et al, 2017 ). The current study has adopted a multicomponent training method because of the different components integrated, in agreement with ACSM guidelines ( Chodzko-Zajko et al, 2009 ; Garber et al, 2011 ) that support many benefits of this training modality on cardiovascular health ( Moraes et al, 2012 ; Neves et al, 2016 ).…”

Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Potential Risk Factor in China: A Multi-Dimensional Assessment by a Grey Relational Approach

“…This may result from a worsening of metabolic risk factors, particularly, HTN, diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol. The only approach to stop this trend is to target these risk factors through public health initiatives [6,7].…”

Exercise-Induced Hypertension in Healthy Individuals and Athletes: Is it an Alarming Sign?

“…Other studies, however, reported that EIH is linked to the future development of hypertension [ 10 , 11 ]. Currently, it has been determined that EIH is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and cardiac injury, leading to arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, and sudden cardiac death [ 12 , 13 ]. Interestingly, a very recent study has shown that EIH may be associated with a 3.6-fold increased risk of hypertension in highly trained athletes [ 6 ].…”