Effect of water intake on postexercise cardiovascular recovery

Physical exercise elicits an increase in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and, consequently, in the rate-pressure product (RPP). Recovery of HR immediately after exercise indicates cardiovascular health. Blood pressure also decreases after exercise, occasionally reaching values lower than pre-exercise levels (postexercise hypotension). Studies have shown a positive effect of water intake on HR recovery after exercise. However, little is known about the effect of water intake on postexercise BP and RPP responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of water intake on postexercise cardiac work assessed by HR, BP and RPP. Fourteen healthy volunteers (22 ± 1.4 years) participated in the study. The experimental session consisted of HR, systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) recording at rest, followed by submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer. Next, the subjects consumed water and the cardiovascular variables were recorded during recovery. In addition, a control session without postexercise water intake was performed. The RPP was calculated from the product of HR and SBP. Water intake prevented a postexercise hypotensive effect on DBP, but accelerated postexercise HR and RPP reduction during recovery when compared to the control session. It was concluded that water intake is an effective strategy to reduce postexercise cardiac work.