Static exercise in untreated systemic hypertension.

The circulatory responses to sustained handgrip at 30 per cent of a maximum voluntary contraction of the forearm muscles (MVC) were examined in untreated hypertensive patients. Arterial pressure increased in all patients, often attaining very high levels. Two main patterns of circulatory response were observed. In group i (8 patients) there was an increase in cardiac index and heart rate, with little or no change in systemic vascular resistance. These patients conformed to the pattern of response previously observed in normal subjects. Group 2 (6 patients) responded by an increase of systemic vascular resistance, a smaller rise in heart rate, and little or no change in cardiac index. All patients in group 2 had either electrocardiographic or radiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy, suggesting that the difference in response was due to impaired left ventricular function. In 4 patients further measurements were made at IO, 20, and 50 per cent maximum voluntary contraction demonstrating an incremental increase in response up to 30 per cent and a more rapid rise of arterial pressure at 50 per cent maximum voluntary contraction.