Carotid Artery Function Is Restored in Subjects With Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk After a 12-Week Physical Activity Intervention

Sympathetic nervous system activation elicits carotid artery vasodilation in healthy subjects, yet vasoconstriction in those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether carotid artery vasoconstriction can be reversed is currently unknown. Nineteen subjects with increased risk for CVD were referred to a 12-week physical activity intervention, and 12 participants with increased risk for CVD were recruited as a no treatment control group. Cardiorespiratory and vascular health measures were collected at baseline and 12 weeks. Results indicate that carotid artery vasoconstriction in response to sympathetic stimulation may be reversed in subjects at increased risk of CVD. These findings warrant further investigation.