HypertensionCross-sectional study
Blood pressure response to graded bicycle exercise in males and females across the age and fitness spectrum
- Cross-sectional study
Authors' conclusion
In a large cohort of healthy individuals, an exaggerated SBPmax was common and associated with higher fitness. In contrast, higher SBP indexed to W was associated with older age, lower fitness, and female sex.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy adults undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing with repeated automated blood pressure (BP) measures81% male
- Participants
- 589 adults
- Exposure
- Males vs Females
- Outcome
- Normal exercise BP response (exaggerated SBPmax: ≥210 mmHg males, ≥190 mmHg females; SBP/W-slope) and its relationships with age, sex and fitness
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Exaggerated SBPmax and SBP/W-slope
Exaggerated SBPmax and SBP/W-slope
Exaggerated SBPmax Males 51% · Females 64%
Exaggerated SBPmax, endurance-trained athletes Males 58% · Females 72%
- Males vs Females: P = 0.031 — mean SBP/W-slope lower in males
- Exaggerated SBPmax more prevalent in endurance-trained athletes
- P < 0.001
- VO2peak inversely correlated with SBP/W-slope in both sexes
- P < 0.01
- Exaggerated SBPmax with below-median SBP/W-slope: 10 years younger and 20% higher VO2peak on average
- P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Blood pressure response to graded bicycle exercise in males and females across the age and fitness spectrum. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 8 August 2024. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwae262
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it