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Haemodynamic determinants of elevated pulse wave velocity during acute isometric handgrip exercise

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Abstract

Background

Measure ment of pulse wave velocity (PWV) provides a reliable index of vascular stiffness. Despite its widespread application, the physiological inter-relationships between PWV, blood pressure (BP) and in particular, heart rate (HR), have yet to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, little is known about altered arterial compliance during acute exercise.

Aim

To examine the effects of 3-min supine non-dominant isometric handgrip exercise (ISOMEX), performed at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction, on carotid-radial PWV, BP and HR in the dominant arm of 51 healthy subjects.

Results

During exercise, PWV correlated strongly with diastolic BP (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). PWV and HR failed to correlate at rest or during exercise.

Conclusion

ISOMEX invoked an elevated PWV, which is predominantly related to BP or factors determining it, and not HR. The carotid-radial PWV stress test is a simple measurement that may have prognostic potential for use in large-scale population studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jean Mayer USDA Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, USA

    K. F. Reid

  2. Dept of Cardiology, St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny

    M. A. Conway

Authors
  1. K. F. Reid
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  2. M. A. Conway
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Correspondence to K. F. Reid or M. A. Conway.

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Reid, K.F., Conway, M.A. Haemodynamic determinants of elevated pulse wave velocity during acute isometric handgrip exercise. Ir J Med Sci 175, 13–19 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03169166

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