Exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) during the exercise treadmill test (ETT)
has been considered to be a risk factor for hypertension. The relationship of
polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system gene with hypertension has not been
established. Our objective was to evaluate whether EBPR during exercise is a clinical
marker for hypertension. The study concerned a historical cohort of normotensive
individuals. The exposed individuals were those who presented EBPR. At the end of the
observation period (41.7 months = 3.5 years), the development of hypertension was
analyzed within the two groups. Genetic polymorphisms and blood pressure behavior
were assessed as independent variables, together with the classical risk factors for
hypertension. The I/D gene polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and
M235T of angiotensinogen were ruled out as risk factors for hypertension. EBPR during
ETT is not an independent influence on the chances of developing hypertension. No
differences were observed between the hypertensive and normotensive individuals
regarding gender (P = 0.655), skin color (P = 0.636), family history of hypertension
(P = 0.225), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.285), or hypertriglyceridemia (P = 0.734). The
risk of developing hypertension increased with increasing body mass index (BMI) and
advancing age. The risk factors, which independently influenced the development of
hypertension, were age and BMI. EBPR did not constitute an independent risk factor
for hypertension and is probably a preclinical phase in the spectrum of normotension
and hypertension.