Acute effect of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in breast cancer survivors: preliminary results

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) who underwent chemotherapy treatment have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chemotherapy contributes to increased arterial stiffness. Acute aerobic exercise has been demonstrated to be effective in improving arterial stiffness in healthy individuals, however, it is unknown if BCS have a similar response to aerobic exercise. To determine if arterial stiffness is different between BCS and healthy controls following acute aerobic exercise. Seven BCS (48 ± 4 yrs; 26.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2) and seven female controls (43 ± 9 yrs; 22.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2) completed a 30-min bout of aerobic cycling exercise at 65% of their maximal aerobic capacity. Central arterial stiffness was evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) via applanation tonometry at baseline, 5 and 30-min post exercise. Hemodynamic variables [cardiac output (Q), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)] were acquired with an automated ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Carotid arterial stiffness was determined using ultrasonography [β-stiffness index, pressure-strain elasticity modulus (Ep) and arterial compliance (AC)]. See Table. Both groups had similar increases in AC at 30-min compared to 5 min post-exercise (p<0.05). HR increased in both groups post exercise (p<0.05); however, BCS had an overall higher HR compared to the control group (p<0.05). There were no differences in PWV, β-stiffness, Ep and AC responses following exercise between the groups. These results suggest that BCS have similar arterial stiffness responses compared to a healthy control group. Interestingly, PWV decreased (approached significance), while AC decreased following exercise, showing a possible differential response between the aorta and carotid artery, suggesting more investigation in this area