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

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 messured 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 Flow-Mediated Dilation and blood pressure in women with prehypertension (SBP=120-139 mmhg and DBP=80-89 mmhg).
The study method was laboratorial and 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 trials. 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 exercise session. Also blood pressure was measured pre exercise, immediately post exercise and every ten minutes to 60 minutes after exercise. For data analysis independent t-test and paired t-test were used.
Flow-Mediated Dilation increased significantly 1 hour after exercise (P=0.000). Also blood pressure levels decreased significantly from 30 to 60 minutes after the exercise.
Performing continuous aerobic exercise, with improving in Flow-Mediated Dilation and blood pressure in women with prehypertension, can be helpful for these patients.