Abstract des Autors

Forty-two consecutive men (mean age 34+/-6.2 years) with a family history of hypertension (both hypertensive parents) underwent maximal exercise testing, and were then followed for a mean period of 43+/-3 months. The prevalence of abnormal blood pressure behavior during exercise was 38.1% (16/42). During follow-up established hypertension developed in 81.2% (13/16) of subjects with an abnormal blood pressure response to exercise, and only in 11.5% (3/26) of subjects with normal blood pressure behavior. In predicting established hypertension development in a mean 43 month follow-up, maximal exercise testing has the following statistical values: sensitivity = 81.2%, specificity = 88.4%, accuracy = 85.7%. Maximal exercise testing could represent a useful clinical tool for risk stratification and identification of normotensive subjects with parental hypertension who warrant a specific prevention program. Verf.-Referat