P.33 Changes in Blood Pressure, Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index Induced by Postural Changes and Exercise

Abstract

Objectives

To determine how orthostatic changes in body position alter BP and estimation of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index (AIx), when changing from supine to the sitting position [1]. Also, to analyze the effect of a short physical exercise and of physical training status on PWV/AIx in supine and sitting position.

Methods

Cross-sectional, observational study in 63 voluntary healthy students. Age, height, weight, waist and smoking habits were assessed. We estimated peripheral and central BP, AIx and PWV (brachial oscillometry, AGEDIO, IEM®, Stollberg) after 5′ in supine position (SUP), then after 30″ in sitting (SIT) and again in sitting position after 25 squats in 30″ (EXE). A validated questionnaire (Vital sign, https://www.seh-lelha.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/GuiaEjercicioRCV.pdf) was implemented to assess chronic physical condition (CPC).

Results

52, 4% were women, mean age was 23.2 years. Systolic, diastolic and median BP rose from 115/67/89 (SUP) to 118/72/93 (SIT) and to 122/67/93 (EXE) mmHg (p < 0.001 for all comparisons to SUP), PWV was 4.9 (SUP), 4.9 (SIT) and 5.0 (EXE) m/s, with no significant difference. Variables associated with PWV were central BP (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001) and AIx (p = 0.04), but not CPC. Predictors of AIx were heart rate (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.03) and CPC (p = 0.03). The latter became more significant in the transition from SUP over SIT to EXE (R² of multivariate analysis 0.23, 0.55 and 0.68, respectively).

Conclusions

Although peripheral BP significantly changed from supine, sitting and post-exercise sitting, PWV remained constant. Chronic physical condition did not affect PWV, but was associated with wave reflection.