Characterizing hypertension among recreational cyclists in Colombia: The Atlántico cyclists study

Abstract

Objective

To describe the prevalence of hypertension and exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) among recreational cyclists in addition to their exercise habits and prior medical evaluations.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult recreational cyclists from March to April 2024 in the Department of Atlántico, Colombia. Participants were selected via convenience sampling after cycling activities and data were collected with a structured survey (demographics, comorbidities, and exercise habits). Post-exercise blood pressure (BP; two measurements three minutes apart), heart rate, oxygen saturation, weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. EIH was defined as a systolic BP > 210 mmHg for men and > 190 mmHg for women. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics.

Results

Three hundred and fifty-five individuals were included. Most were male (84.5 %) and older than 45 years of age (75.8 %). Hypertension was identified in 22 % of participants. Other risk factors included hypercholesterolemia (11.8 %), smoking (10.4 %), and hypertriglyceridemia (7.3 %). The mean post-exercise systolic BPs were 130.4 ± 55.6 mmHg and 122.6 ± 15.5 mmHg, and diastolic BPs were 77.2 ± 10.4 mmHg and 76.8 ± 10.7 mmHg (initial and three minutes later, respectively) and no participants fulfilled the criteria for EIH. Among the participants, 20.6 % underwent prior medical evaluation.

Conclusions

Hypertension was a common baseline condition among recreational cyclists, but none was found to have EIH. Despite a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, one-fifth of the participants had a medical evaluation before engaging in cycling activities. Our findings underscore the importance of encouraging routine health screenings in this population.