Distance travelled in hypertensive subjects: cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Systemic arterial hypertension is a clinical condition caused by several factors that cause the elevation of blood pressure levels in a sustainable way, it is important to assess the functional capacity of these individuals, aiming to have an early diagnosis, in addition being a means of preventing the effects of hypertension. One of the instruments used is the six-minute walk test (6MWT) that runs in the submaximal level, enabling the analysis of the responses of the systems involved during the activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine the distance travelled of hypertensive individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study, with a population of hypertensive patients, between 30 and 60 years. The TC6 was performed according to a standardized protocol by the ATS and calculated the distance provided by the predictive equation of Enright and Sherril. The Student t test was used for comparison of the average distance and calculated the percentage difference between the values driven and laid down. RESULTS: 44 subjects of both genders were assessed, with an average age of 48.80±7.08 years, 56.8% of the individuals presented controlled pressure, 81.8% were in regular use of anti-hypertensivemedication. The average distance obtained in individuals who have achieved the expected values was 503±38.6 meters. The majority of individuals have traveled on average 86.3±7.2% of the expected distance. CONCLUSION: Individuals with arterial hypertension have distance travelled reduced, whether blood pressure is controlled or not.