Hemodynamic response to heated water immersion in older individuals with hypertension

The aim of this study was to evaluate blood pressure (BP), heart rate, arterial stiffness and endothelial reactivity responses to heated water immersion in older individuals with hypertension. Thirty-five sedentary individuals (67 +/- 5 years) under treatment for hypertension were randomly assigned to water-based [n = 20; 30 min of seated resting in a heated swimming pool (30-32 degrees C)] or land-based group [n = 15; 30 min of seated resting in a quiet room with controlled temperature (21-23 degrees C)]. BP, heart rate, arterial stiffness and endothelial reactivity were measured before, immediately after (post) and 45 min after (recovery) each session. Heart rate reduced (P < 0.05) during the land-based session, and the reduction was maintained at post (similar to 7 bpm) and recovery (similar to 9 bpm), but no heart rate changes occurred during and after the water-based session. Systolic/diastolic BP increased (P = <0.001) at post (similar to 29/10 mmHg) and recovery (similar to 10/7 mmHg) in the water-based group, but not in the land-based group. No significant changes in pulse wave velocity and endothelial reactivity occurred in both groups. These results suggest that the hemodynamic response to heated water immersion should be taken into account when assessing the effect of heated water-based exercise on postexercise hypotension in older individuals with hypertension.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the responses of blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and endothelial reactivity to heated water immersion in older individuals with hypertension. The results showed differences in heart rate and blood pressure responses, but no significant changes in arterial stiffness and endothelial reactivity.