BLOOD PRESSURE STUDIES ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, INCLUDING THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION, HYPOTENSION, AND NORMAL SUBJECTS

Abstract

After obtaining the basal blood pressure and pulse rate, the response to a standardized exercise test was studied on 96 hypertensive, 56 hypotensive and 128 normal subjects. The avg. increase in the systolic pressure for the hypertensive, normal and low groups following exercise was 48, 37, and 23 mm. Hg., respectively. The systolic pressure of the abnormal pressure groups returned to its basal levels more slowly than in the normal group. The diastolic pressure decreased below the basal level to the same extent in the 3 groups, but returned to the basal level more slowly in the hypertensives. Since there was practically no difference in the pulse rate increase in the 3 groups following exercise, the vasomotor response from other factors evidently played a more important role in the production of the increased pressure. The regular or usual systolic blood pressure in the hypertensive class was 28 mm. above the basal level as compared to 5 and 7 mm. in the low and normal groups. This marked difference was a definite aid in discovering those cases in which the blood pressure should be checked more frequently. A history of familial hypertensive cardiovascular disease was obtained in 54% of the students in the hypertensive group. The amt. of work or exercise apparently was not an etio-logical factor in the production of essential hypertension. Since 75% of the students with an initial systolic pressure above 150 mm. and 82% of those with the systolic pressure below 104 had normal blood pressure readings by the 2d or 3d reexamination, the importance of subsequent rechecks before persons were classified as having an abnormal blood pressure was emphasized.