Changes of central hemodynamics and pulse wave velocity after isometric handgrip exercise

Abstract

Purpose: Dynamic changes of central hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness indexes after isometric handgrip exercise may be more sensitive indicators of the arterial stiffness. We investigated the changes of them after 3 min-handgrip exercise. Methods: Forty one subjects who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. After CAG, baseline arterial waveforms were traced at the aortic root and external iliac artery using right coronary catheters. Arterial waveforms were recorded at 1, 2 and 3 min in the aortic root and at 3 min in the external iliac artery after the isometric handgrip exercise at 30∼40% of the maximal handgrip power. AP and AI were measured at the central aortic waveforms. PWV was calculated using the ECG-gated time difference of the upstroke of the arterial waveforms and the distance between the aortic root and the common iliac artery measured by a catheter. Results: Central systolic BP (SBP), pulse pressure (PP), augmentation pressure (AP) and augmentation index (AI) increased from 1 min after exercise and reached peak values at 2 min after exercise. Changes of pulse wave velocity (PWV) showed a diverse pattern. PWV of 22 subjects (54%, 63.4±8.6 years) increased ≥0.5 m/sec, but 19 subjects (46%, 63.1±10.2 years) showed a little increase (<0.5 m/sec) or even decrease after exercise. SBP, PP, and forward pressure increased similarly after exercise, but AP and AI increased only in subjects with ΔPWV ≥0.5 m/sec after exercise. View this table: Conclusions: Isometric handgrip exercise was a simple and easy method to evaluate the dynamic changes of arterial stiffness indexes. Changes of central hemodynamic parameters were correlated with a change of PWV after handgrip exercise.