[Ergometric investigations of the tension-time-index and of the PWC 170 in patients with borderline and stable hypertension in comparison with normals (author's transl)].

1. Comparative measurements of the Tension-Time-Index during ergometric work and of the Physical Working Capacity 170 were carried out in patients with borderline (n = 24) and stable hypertension (n = 51) in comparison with normals (n = 47), aged 20-60 years. 2. The Tension-Time-Index which is generally accepted as an indirect estimation of the myocardial oxygen consumption was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the borderline hypertensives (30.5%) and in the hypertensives (41.7%) already at the low work load of 50 watt. 3. The PWC170 which has been shown to be a reliable ergometric method for determination of the physical performance was 21.2% lower (p < 0.001) in the hypertensives with 2.71 +/- 0.74 W/kg body weight in comparison with 3.44 +/- 0.8 W/kg body weight of the normals. Already the borderline hypertensives had a reduced PWC170 of 2.93 +/- 0.7 W/kg body weight. 4. Therefore hypertensives should perform a dosed endurance training of middle intensity, which results in a reduction of heart rate, systolic blood pressure and consequently of the Tension-Time-Index and which improves the Physical Working Capacity. These favourable effects of training are of great benefit especially for those patients also suffering from ischemic heart disease because the myocardial oxygen consumption is the limiting factor of physical performance. 5. In order to prevent acute and chronic vascular complications caused by excessive blood pressure increases during physical activity in hypertensives, ergometric tests for dosage of training and if necessary an antihypertensive treatment should be applied before starting the training program.