Blood pressure response to six-minute walk test in hypertensive subjects exposed to high altitude: effects of antihypertensive combination treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Limited evidence exists on blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise in hypertensive subjects exposed to high altitude, and on the effects of antihypertensive treatment in this setting. We aimed to asses BP response to submaximal exercise in hypertensive lowlanders acutely exposed to high altitude, and the effects of a calcium antagonist–angiotensin receptor blocker combination in this condition. Methods 89 mild-hypertensive participants in HIGHCARE-ANDES study performed a six-minute walk test in 3 conditions: at sea-level off-treatment; at sea-level after 6weeks of double-blind treatment with telmisartan 80mg+slow release nifedipine 30mg or with placebo; on the first full day of permanence at 3260m altitude under randomized treatment. Results The distance walked in 6min was reduced by about 10% at high altitude in both groups (p Conclusions In mild hypertensives, acute exposure to high altitude enhances the BP response to exercise. Such an enhanced response is effectively reduced by telmisartan/nifedipine combination therapy, without affecting exercise performance.