Effect of a Continuous Aerobic Exercise Session on Flow-Mediated Dilation in Women with Prehypertension

Introduction: Hypertension is defined by a chronic elevation of arterial pressure above a certain threshold value (140/90 mmHg). Pre-hypertension is the harbinger of systemic hypertension. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) that measured by high-resolution ultrasound is used to assess endothelial dysfunction in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a continuous aerobic session on FMD and blood pressure in women with prehypertension (SBP=120-139 mmHg or DBP=80-89 mmHg).

Methods: The study method was laboratorial with counter-balanced crossover design. Subjects included 12 women with prehypertension (age: 29.4±3.6 yrs.), without exercise activities or any cardiovascular disease, were participated in two control and aerobic exercise conditions. Continuous aerobic exercise concluded 45 minutes with 65 to 70 percent of maximum heart rate running on the treadmill. Flow mediated dilation was measured before and 1 hour after the sessions. In addition, blood pressure was measured pre, immediately post and every ten minutes to 60 minutes after the sessions. For data analysis, independent t-test and paired t-test were used.

Results: Flow-Mediated Dilation increased significantly 1 hour after the aerobic exercise (p=0.000). Also blood pressure levels decreased significantly from 30 to 60 minutes after the exercise.

Conclusion: Performing continuous aerobic exercise, with improving in FMD and blood pressure in women with prehypertension, can be helpful for these patients.