According to a new study, genes can influence how blood pressure and heart rate respond to exercise. They may also act as an early warning system for future heart or blood vessel problems.
Recent research shows that abnormally high increases during exercise can increase the risk of future hypertension. Understanding why people react differently during exercise is crucial as it can identify risk factors, and allow early monitoring or treatment for individuals at risk.
It was not known until now why people respond differently to exercise. The new research found that genetic differences between receptors in the skeletal muscle can be a factor in this response.
Receptors consist of groups of cells that are specialised to detect environmental changes and trigger a response. Scientists discovered that two genetic mutations, found in receptors of skeletal muscles, led to increased blood pressure when exercising compared to those who didn’t have them. This was especially true for men.
Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada measured heart rate, blood pressure and DNA of 200 young healthy men and women both before and after a handgrip test.
Philip J. Millar said that the research shows the presence of these receptors may contribute to higher blood pressure during exercise, a factor which could lead to future heart and blood vessel problems.
The study was limited by its sample size and type of exercise, but the genetic variations in the receptors of the skeletal muscles had a significant effect. To replicate the findings, further research will be required to examine other types of exercises. Journal of Physiology has the full results.
