Abstract

New parameters which evaluate arterial stiffness can be assessed in ambulatory settings: pulse pressure (PP), ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Patients and methods: 103 patients, blood pressure (BP) values in the range: systolic blood pressure (SBP) =130-159mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)=85-99mmHg were included in a 3 month life style changing program. They were divided into 2 groups: group S included sedentary or untrained subjects (49p) and group T included trained individuals (54p). The group T were trained at a intensity between 70-80% reached at exercise test. Hemodynamic parameters: SBP, DBP and arterial stiffness parameters: PP, AASI, PWVc-r [52p] were evaluated initial and after 3 months. We observed in group S a reduction of: SBP from 145,6 to 142mmHg; PP from 52,1 to 50,3mmHg; AASI from 0,69 to 0,65 , PWVc-r from 10,1 to 9,7m/s. The lowering of these parameters was more important in the group T (trained): SBP from 145,6 to 137mmHg; PP from 52,1 to 47mmHg; AASI from 0,69 to 0,59; PWVc-r from 10,1 to 8,9m/s.. Changes were observed in regard with hemodynamic parameters: SBP, DBP in the patient s following a life style c hanging programme, but more significant in individuals who participated in exercise training . A greater lowering was observed after a 3 months of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme in the values of arterial stiffness parameters: PP, AASI and PW Vc-r. Linear correlation s were observed between AASI and PP and also between AASI and PWVc -r.

Key words:

exercise training, arterial stiffness, endothelial vascular protection.