Abstract 445: Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Normotensives versus Non-Normotensives

Abstract

One of the precursors to hypertension (HTN) is systemic inflammation which can lead to vascular dysfunction and eventually HTN. Aerobic exercise training (AEXT) is known to be an important intervention tool in the prevention and treatment of HTN, inflammation and vascular dysfunction. However, no study has yet determined the effect of AEXT on inflammation in normotensive versus non-normotensive participants. Purpose: To assess whether there are differential changes in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in normotensive versus non-normotensive participants in response to AEXT. METHODS: 27 participants ages 41-71 were assessed. To be considered for inclusion participants had to be free of any cardiovascular disease, non-smoking and sedentary. After inclusion participants underwent blood draws, blood pressure (BP) measurements and aerobic exercise testing. Aerobic fitness was by measuring VO2max. Participants then underwent AEXT (3 days/week, 65% of VO2max, 40 minutes/day) for 6 months. Whole blood was sent to Quest Diagnostics for the measurement of serum levels of CRP. Results: CRP levels were not significantly different between normotensive (avg. BP=113/74 mmHg, N=13) and non-normotensive (avg. BP=131/82 mmHg, N=14) participants before (2.86 ± 0.82 vs. 3.65 ± 0.90 mg/L) or after (3.28 ± 1.00 vs. 2.75 ± 0.73 mg/L) AEXT. However, non-normotensive participants significantly (p≤0.016) lowered their CRP levels (3.65 ± 0.90 vs. 2.75 ± 0.73 mg/L), whereas the normotensive group did not. Neither group lowered their BP levels. Conclusion: AEXT is a proven tool for the treatment and prevention of HTN and systemic inflammation. Although AEXT did not lower BP in our setting, results suggest that AEXT may be an important tool in lowering systemic inflammation in non-normotensives who are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease.