Evaluation of Heart Rate Recovery and Exercise Capacity in Individuals With and Without Metabolic Syndrome



Shafie D¹ ; Sadeghi M² ; Hashemi M¹ ; Heydarpour M³ ; Tallaei M² ; Aghababaei E¹ ; Sarrafzadegan N²
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Many studies showed that heart rate recovery (1 min) and exercise capacity at exercise test are both strong predictors of cardiovascular events in various populations. This study compared heart rate recovery (1min) and exercise capacity in individuals with and without metabolic syndrome in Iranian community. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 470 individuals aged ≥ 35 years who followed in Isfahan Cohort Study. A questionnaire including questions on demographic and lifestyle information as well as weight, height, blood pressure, and waist circumference was completed. Triglyceride, fasting blood glucose (FBS), total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels were measured as well. All subjects performed a symptom limited exercise test under the standard Bruce protocol. Heart rate recovery (1 min) and exercise capacity were calculated. Data were analyzed by generalized linear model SPSS15 software. Finding: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.001). Heart rate recovery (1 min) was in normal range in individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (> 18 bpm) but in subjects without metabolic syndrome it was higher (41.48 versus 37.07; P = 0.007). There was no difference between men and women in individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.645 and 0.39 respectively). Exercise capacity was lower in individuals without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.022). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that among exercise capacity and heart rate recovery, this is exercise capacity which has a stronger relationship with metabolic syndrome in our community. Also, it seems that there is a need for reconsideration on heart rate recovery threshold.