The Effect of Body Mass Index on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Response During Treadmill Exercise Test in Non-diabetic Adults

Introduction:Exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise is an independent risk of future hypertension (HT), and impaired heart rate (HR) response is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Obesity is a risk factor for HT. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HR during exercise treadmill test.Methods:Data of 124 patients without diabetes who completed treadmill test with negative results were obtained from archives of the test unit. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI; 18.5-24.9 (normal), 25-29.9 (overweight), and >30 (obese). Basal, 3rd and 6th minutes, peak exercise, 2nd minute of recovery phase SBP and HR values, and level changes (Δ) from the beginning were compared. A p-value of