Unmasking Fitness in Healthy Adults Versus Hypertensives Through Cardiorespiratory Responses to Treadmill Exercise: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and its impact on cardiorespiratory fitness is significant. This study aims to compare the cardiorespiratory responses to treadmill exercise between healthy adults and hypertensive individuals to evaluate the fitness differences between these two groups. Methodology: This case-control study included 100 participants, 50 hypertensive patients, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent a standardized treadmill exercise test, during which heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were measured. The primary outcomes were the differences in heart rate response, systolic blood pressure, and VO2 max between the two groups. Results: The hypertensive group exhibited significantly higher resting heart rates and systolic blood pressure than the healthy controls (P < 0.01). During exercise, hypertensives showed a blunted heart rate response and lower VO2 max, indicating reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Recovery time post-exercise was also prolonged in the hypertensive group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights significant differences in cardiorespiratory fitness between healthy adults and hypertensive individuals. Hypertensives demonstrate reduced exercise capacity, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve cardiovascular health in this population.

Keywords

• blood pressure
• cardiorespiratory fitness
• heart rate
• hypertension
• treadmill exercise
• vo2 max