Impact of an active lifestyle on heart rate variability and oxidative stress markers in offspring of hypertensives

Abstract

Familial history of hypertension is associated with autonomic dysfunction and increase in blood pressure (BP). However, an active lifestyle has been found to improve a number of health outcomes and reduce all-cause mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an active lifestyle on hemodynamics, heart rate variability (HRV) and oxidative stress markers in offspring of hypertensive parents. One hundred twenty-seven subjects were assigned into four groups: sedentary offspring of normotensives (S-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH); and physically active offspring of normotensives (A-ON) or hypertensives (A-OH). Diastolic BP and heart rate were reduced in the physically active groups when compared to S-OH group. A-ON and A-OH groups presented increased values of RR total variance when compared to the sedentary ones (A-ON: 4,912 ± 538 vs. S-ON: 2,354 ± 159; A-OH: 3,112 ± 236 vs. S-OH: 2,232 ± 241 ms 2 ). Cardiac sympato-vagal balance (LF/HF), systemic hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion were markedly increased in S-OH group when compared to all other studied groups. Additionally, important correlations were observed between LF/HF with diastolic BP (r = 0.30) and hydrogen peroxide (r = 0.41). Thus, our findings seem to confirm an early autonomic dysfunction in offspring of hypertensive parents, which was associated with a systemic increase in reactive oxygen species and blood pressure. However, our most important finding lies in the attenuation of such disorders in offspring of physically active hypertensives, thus emphasizing the importance of a physically active lifestyle in the prevention of early disorders that may be associated with onset of hypertension.

Dose–response relationship between working hours and hypertension

“…[ 10 ] People with normal blood pressure who are sedentary and physically inactive have a higher risk of high blood pressure than those who are physically active. [ 11 , 12 ] Psychosocial factors are also associated with hypertension, such as personality, [ 13 ] occupation, [ 14 ] working hours. [ 15 ]…”

Heart Rate Variability and Cardiovascular Fitness: What We Know so Far

“…[81][82][83][84][85][86][87] A reduction in circulating blood levels of catecholamines and angiotensin II has also been observed, 24,25,83,88 in addition to the recovery of endothelial function; increasing bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO); reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6; and low oxidative stress. 79,[89][90][91][92][93][94][95] Another important effect of physical training seems to involve central neural adaptations; autonomic adjustments also derive from effects on central neural nuclei of cardiovascular control, resulting in increased vagal drive and/or a decrease in sympathetic drive and improvement in baroreflex sensitivity. 89,[96][97][98][99][100][101][102] Thus, the sum of local and systemic effects associated with increased cardiovascular fitness results in a more adequate cardiac autonomic modulation, characterized by an increase in HRV.…”

Epidemiologic features and management of hypertension in Tunisia, the results from the Hypertension National Registry (NaTuRe HTN)

“…In developed countries, 60% of the population practice sport regularly [ 30 ], in our study only 14% performed physical activity. Recently, Sata Rosa et al showed that an active lifestyle improves heart rate variability, reduces oxidative stress in hypertensive people, and improves BP control [ 31 ]. On the other hand, Beta-blockers should not be dismissed, and patients with high HR definitely need this therapeutic class.…”