POSTEXERCISE REDUCTION IN BLOOD-PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS - EFFECTS OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME-INHIBITION

1 Much attention has been given to the effects of various classes of a ntihypertensive drugs on blood pressure and haemodynamics. The effects of a single bout of exercise on post-exercise blood pressure have als o been studied by several investigators. However, the combined effects of prior exercise and antihypertensive medication has drawn less atte ntion. 2 We examined the separate and combined effects of a single bou t of exercise and of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition wi th a new ACE inhibitor (fosinopril, 20 mg day-1) on post-exercise bloo d pressure and systemic and regional haemodynamics. Ten patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension were studied with a double-blind, random ized crossover, placebo- and rest period-controlled study design. 3 At rest, mean arterial pressure (MAP, - 10 +/- 2 mm Hg), total periphera l resistance (TPR, - 11 +/- 5%) and forearm vascular resistance (FVR, - 17 +/- 8%) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced during ACE inhibiti on as compared with the placebo phase. 4 During the placebo phase, MAP (-3 +/- 1 mm Hg), TPR (-10 +/- 4%) and FVR (-9 +/- 4%) were lower aft er exercise as compared with the control rest period. 5 During ACE inh ibition, MAP (-3 +/- 1 mm Hg) and TPR (-8 +/- 4%) were lower, but FVR (+32 +/- 15%) was increased after exercise as compared with the contro l rest period. 6 Thus, blood pressure and TPR decreased similarly afte r exercise during the placebo phase and during ACE inhibition. However , differences in post-exercise forearm haemodynamics during the placeb o phase and during ACE inhibition indicate that underlying regional ha emodynamics are modified.