The aim of this study was to assess the central blood pressure response to exercise with risks of cardiovascular diseases associated with hypertension. Thirty-four male volunteers (aged 51±7 years; mean±s.d.) who were free from cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and renal diseases were examined. The subjects underwent a graded symptom-limited submaximal exercise test on bicycle ergometer. At baseline, during and after the cycle exercise, peripheral pulse waveforms were recorded by a radial applanation tonometry. Central (ascending aortic) pressure waveforms were then estimated using a generalized transfer function. Pulse pressure amplification, defined as the ratio of peripheral to central pulse pressure, was used as a marker of wave reflection. Compared to the baseline, pulse pressure amplification significantly increased during exercise, and after the exercise it gradually decreased to the baseline level. We divided the subjects into subgroups according to the presence or absence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. Throughout the exercise test, pulse pressure amplifications in the subjects with hypertension and those with multiple risk factors, including hypertension together with at least one of dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance, were significantly lower than those with normal blood pressure. Furthermore, the subjects with multiple risk factors had significantly reduced pulse pressure amplification after exercise compared to those with hypertension alone. In multiple regression analysis, the post-exercise pulse pressure amplification was independently associated with age and the presence of multiple risk factors including hypertension. There was a significant correlation between post-exercise pulse pressure amplification and left ventricular mass index.
　These results suggest that pulse pressure amplification is associated with the hypertension, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance, and with increased left ventricular mass. Thus, the measurement of central blood pressure during and after exercise may be useful in investigating the hypertension-related risks of cardiovascular diseases.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.30/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE