Assessment of aerobic capacity in offspring of hypertensive versus normotensive parents

Abstract

Objective: To assess the aerobic capacity in offspring of hypertensive versus normotensive parents. Background: Cardiovascular reactivity to exercise has been investigated in the offspring of HTP in a few studies, but not much done to determine aerobic capacity. This study aims to investigate aerobic capacity and effects of parental hypertension in the children of hypertensive parents through a physical test i.e., 6 minute walk test. Study Design: Comparative study. Methods: The ethical clearance was taken from the college and consent was taken from the 30 subjects (offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents) taken into consideration using 6 minute walk test. The comparison is done on the basis of physiological parameters mainly as 6MWD, VO₂ Max, Pre and Post outcome measures were taken and VO2 max was calculated using formula VO2 max (mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1) = 70.161 + (0.023 × 6MWT [m]) – (0.276 × weight [kg]) – (6.79 × sex, where m = 0, f = 1) - (0.193 × resting HR [beats per minute]) – (0.191 × age [y]). Results: The results of present study have shown significant difference in cardiovascular parameters like post SBP, pre and post DBP, 6 minute walk distance and VO2MAX between Group A (normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents) and Group B. Comparing the values of Group A (normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents) and Group B (normotensive offspring of normotensive parents).There is significant difference between post SBP (129.8±3.6 in group A and 123.47±4.7 in group B), pre DBP with mean value (84.27±4.5 and 78.00±4.1) and post DBP with mean value (90.40±3.8 and 79.73±4.1) in Group A and Group B respectively. There is significant difference in mean values of 6 minute walk distance (530.93±22.0 in Group A and 698.13±25.2 Group B) and VO2MAX between Group A (41.91±1.8) and Group B (49.01) respectively Conclusion: There is decrease in physical fitness and increase in blood pressure to exercise test in Group A subjects compared to Group B subjects therefore offspring of hypertensive parents with increased BP and decreased physical fitness levels should be considered as high risk group for development of future cardiovascular events.