Prehypertension in Young Active Adults: Initial Vascular Changes and Their Impact on Exercise Intensity Recommendations

By
Gašper Turnšek
Simon Iskra
Armin Huso Paravlić
June 29, 2026

Frontiers In Cardiovascular Medicine

Overview

This study investigates early vascular changes in young, physically active adults with prehypertension and evaluates the accuracy of exercise intensity prescription methods.

Background

Prehypertension is a significant precursor to cardiovascular disease. Understanding its impact on young, active adults is important, as early vascular dysfunction can lead to health risks.

Data Highlights

Parameter	Normotensive (n=26)	Prehypertensive (n=25)
Aortic Pulse Pressure	Lower	Higher (p < 0.001)
Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity	Lower	Higher (p < 0.001)
Maximal Oxygen Uptake	Comparable	Comparable (p > 0.05)

Key Findings

Prehypertensive individuals showed higher aortic pulse pressure and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (both p < 0.001).
Aerobic capacity and ventilatory thresholds were comparable between normotensive and prehypertensive groups (all p > 0.05).
Fixed relative intensity anchors had limited accuracy in estimating exercise-intensity domains, particularly at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1).
Population-derived % anchors had the lowest estimation error at VT1, while %HRmax anchors showed the best agreement at VT2.
Prehypertension is associated with early central vascular alterations.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate vascular changes associated with prehypertension in young adults, even when aerobic capacity appears normal.

Conclusion

Prehypertension in young, active adults is linked to early vascular changes.

Prehypertension in Young Active Adults: Initial Vascular Changes and Their Impact on Exercise Intensity Recommendations