Heart rate and blood pressure responses in adolescent distance runners with personal or familial history of cardiac problem and hypertension and their significance as prognostic indicators for underlying cardiovascular problems

Abstract

Objectives
1.To analyze and compare heart rate and blood pressure responses of runners with or without family history of cardiac problem including hypertension.
2. Validation of heart rate recovery as an important prognostic indicator of underlying cardiovascular problem in adolescent population.
Design. Observational analysis, different subject design.
Methods. 50 high school (14-18 years) middle and long distance runners with positive family history were taken in one group and 50 other runners were taken with non-significant family history. All the subjects underwent treadmill stress testing using Bruce protocol. Heart rate and blood pressure were observed and documented for resting, exercise and recovery periods. Heart rate in recovery period was noted for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th and 8th min. in supine lying. Main Outcome measures: It was hypothesized that runners with significant family history will have higher values of blood pressure and heart rate response in resting and exercise phase and lesser drop in heart rate during recovery period.
Results. Heart rate responses: Resting and peak exercise heart rate- Significant differences (p≤0.01) were noted. Heart rate in recovery- Highly significant differences (p≤0.001) was noted for all the recovery times. Blood Pressure: Post exercise systolic BP showed significant difference (p≤.005).
Conclusion. Adolescent runners with significant family history of cardiac problem and hypertension tend to have lesser drop in their heart rate after exercise. Evaluation of heart rate during recovery period along with other parameters of cardiovascular screening can help in better prognosis of underlying disease.

Key words:

Bruce treadmill protocol, heart rate recovery, blood pressure