A Review of Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Responses to Active Standing in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Objectives: This review outlines the normal heart rate and blood pressure response to active standing, the physiological mechanisms governing these, and the effect of ageing on the responses.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify articles investigating the normal heart rate and/or blood pressure response to standing.

Results: Heart rate when standing increases and then decreases and recovers to baseline. Blood pressure responses are inverse. Skeletal muscle contraction and the baroreceptor reflex drive this. With ageing, heart rate response attenuates and the initial blood pressure response increases.

Discussion: Normal heart rate and blood pressure responses are attributed to the baroreceptor reflex and skeletal muscle contraction. Decreased muscle strength and baroreceptor sensitivity are associated with ageing, suggesting a possible benefit in improving skeletal muscle strength to maintain an efficient response. Understanding these responses and their variation with ageing is clinically relevant and may be beneficial in improving rehabilitation outcomes.

Keywords: Heart rate; ageing; blood pressure; muscle; sensitivity; standing.