Physical Training, Hemodynamic Parameters and Arterial Stiffness: Friends or Foes of the Hypertensive Patient?

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the impact of physical training on central hemodynamic parameters and elasticity of large arteries in hypertensive patients.

Patients and methods: A total of 129 hypertensive patients were divided into two groups: group A followed lifestyle changes and physical training; and group B acted as a control group; seven parameters were recorded: Pulse wave velocity (PWVao), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), central aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPao), aortic diastolic blood pressure (DBPao), and central aortic pulse pressure (PPao).

Results: The difference between values at 4 months and baseline (Δ) were as follows: ΔPWVao was -1.02 m/s (p<0.001) versus 0.17 m/s (p=0.035), ΔSBPao was -9.6 mmHg (p=0.009) versus 1.6 mmHg (p=0.064), and ΔPPao was -6.8 mmHg (p<0.001) versus 3.2 mmHg, (p=0.029) in group A versus B, respectively.

Conclusion: Exercise training improves SBP, PP, SBPao, PPao and may delay arterial ageing.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; lifestyle change; physical training; rehabilitation.