Controlled aerobic training improves endothelial function and modifies vascular remodeling in healthy adults with high normal blood pressure.

The aim of the study was to assess endothelial function in adults with high normal blood pressure (HNBP) undergoing controlled aerobic training. The study was conducted among 31 volunteers with HNBP. Subjects underwent supervised cycle ergometer training for 12 weeks. Exercise intensity was assessed by monitoring the pulse with intention to keep the heart rate increase within the range of 40% to 65% of the heart rate reserve. The control group consisted of 14 healthy adults, not subjected to any intervention. The control group was examined twice at 12-week intervals (non-exercising time control). Vascular endothelial function was determined by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and by measuring total nitric oxide products (NOx). The measurement of carotid intima-media complex thickness (IMT) was an indirect method of assessing vascular remodeling. Blood pressure (ABPM method), anthropological parameters and lipid profile were also assessed. There was a significant change in FMD after 3-month training in the study group: the average FMD training was 5.21 ± 2.17%, while after the program FMD increased to 9.46 ± 3.69% (P < 0.001). After training, the NO also increased from 1.01 ± 0.38 μmol/L to 1.27 ± 0.48 μmol/L (P < 0.001). Effects were observed irrespective of participants' sex. Interestingly, a modest but significant reduction of IMT was also observed, from 0.5 ± 0.06 mm to 0.46 ± 0.10 mm (P = 0.04). There was also a reduction in the percentage of body fat content from 25.01 ± 8.77% to 22.31 ± 8.79% (P < 0.001). No statistically significant changes were noted after 12 weeks of training in the blood pressure and lipid profile. In the control group no statistically significant changes of any parameter were observed. Regular aerobic exercise improves nitric oxide-dependent endothelial function of the vessels and can initiate regression of atherosclerosis in people with HNBP.