In cycling performance, concerns remain pertaining to proper cadence vs. power output. Metabolic measurements through gas analysis and blood lactate have addressed some of these concerns. However, cardiovascular measures, specifically work of the heart (WH) have not been addressed. PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular parameters between differing cadence and tension settings during equal sustained power output. METHODS: Nine (n=9) subjects participated. After signing a University approved IRB, medical-health and PAR-Q fitness readiness questionnaire, they were randomly assigned to one of two protocols. Pre-test measures included heart rate (HR, b*min.-1), blood pressure (SBP, DBP, mmHg), height (cm), weight (kg) and age (y). Bicycle ergometer (MonarkTM) adjustments were consistent across subjects and maintained for the second test. Protocol 1(low cadence, LC) consisted of a five (5) minute warm-up followed by sustaining a power output of 150 watts at 50 RPM cadence at 900 kgm for 20 minutes. Protocol 2 (high cadence, HC) followed the same warm-up procedure and sustained power (150 watts) utilizing a cadence of 100 RPM at 450 kgm for 20 minutes. Measures taken minute-by-minute during the sustained 20 minute period were the following: HR (Polar TM), SBP/DBP (sphygmomanometer, stethoscope), and rate pressure product (WH) from the calculation; (HR*SBP)*100-1. Statistical procedures included means (SD) of group measures. Comparison between protocols was determined with a dependent samples T-test. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Subject demographics were the following: age, 36 (13.6) y; height, 157.8 (10) cm; weight, 80.9 (13.9). Between test differences were statistically significant between average HR for 20 minutes of sustained work, LC HR=131.5 (3.2) vs. HC HR=149.3 (7.3). SBP was not different between protocols. However, WH was significantly greater in the HC group vs. the LC group at, 244.1 (23.7) vs. 208.1 (11.5) respectively. CONCLUSION: LC allowed for lower HR and WH when compared to HC with both groups sustaining the same power (150 watts) over a 20 minute time period. SBP was not different between protocols. This indicates similar vascular response between groups and a greater myocardial stress associated with high cadence work.