Exercise-Induced Hypertension Increases Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
May 9, 2024
A recent review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) as a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD). While regular exercise reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, excessive exercise like that incurred by long-distance runners can result in EIH. This kind of hypertension can be defined as a resting blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg but exceeding 210 mmHg (men) or 190 mmHg (women) during exertion, and can lead to myocardial ischemia and fatal arrhythmias. EIH will also ultimately increase the likelihood of SCD. The review analyzed nearly 2000 studies, and, after narrowing down to 24 relevant publications found EIH prevalent among middle-aged runners, likely related to the observed increased resting hypertension and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Preventive measures for those at risk could include adjusting exercise levels, annual exercise stress tests, and considering angiotensin II receptor blockers for those specifically experiencing EIH. Further research on antioxidants and their role in mitigating oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction is needed.
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[Source: AJMC, May 8th, 2024.]
