Changes in Vascular and Hemodynamic Parameters Following Acute Exercise and Antioxidant Supplementation

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential additive effects of the multi-flavonoid plus fish oil combination and aerobic exercise on post exercise hypotension (PEH). We hypothesize that the use of a multi-flavonoid plus fish oil supplement in combination with aerobic exercise will show an additive effect on favorable blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) changes while increasing arterial distensibility. Design: Hemodynamic and vascular measurements were performed pre and post exercise and before and after double blinded placebo or supplementation of 1000 mg quercetin (Q) with 120 mg epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), 400 mg isoquercetin, and 400 mg omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (Q-EGCG). Setting: Visits took place at the Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies lab or the Human Performance lab at Appalachian State University. Participants: 20 young, healthy, pre-hypertensive subjects not on any medication, including aspirin or birth control, and without known cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension were recruited. Interventions: Two weeks of Q-EGCG or placebo. Main Outcomes: The dependent variables in this study were PWV, BP, Pulse wave analysis (PWA), Augmentation index (Alx) and ORAC and FRAP levels. Results: No significant differences were found in PWV (central or peripheral), resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or ORAC. There were significant differences found in Alx, FRAP and BP from pre to post supplementation in the post exercise SBP measurements. Conclusions: Two weeks of supplementation on Q-EGCG produced significant decreases in Alx, post exercise SBP and an increase in FRAP.