Physical Activity, Air Pollution, and High Blood Pressure

Impact of Traffic-related Air Pollution on the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Response to Physical Activity in Patients With Hypertension

The investigators are investigating the effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on the cardiovascular and pulmonary response to exercise in patients with hypertension using a real world randomized, crossover study design. Participants will be exposed to 2 conditions: a low TRAP environment and a high TRAP environment. Each exposure will consist of 30 min of moderate-intensity exercise. Cardiovascular and pulmonary health outcomes will be measured before, during, and up to 24 hours following exposures. A minimum washout period of 1 week will be used to minimize carryover effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 40-70 years of age
2. Previously diagnosed with elevated blood pressure or hypertension by a physician

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current or ex-smokers (abstinent for less than one year)
2. Lives with an individual who currently smokes cigarettes, e-cigarettes (i.e., vaping), or cannabis
3. Hormone replacement therapy use
4. Currently on beta-blocker or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy
5. Currently using over the counter drugs or supplements that may alter cardiovascular measures (as per the principal investigator's discretion)
6. Prior diagnosis of any other existing cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases and/or conditions (other than hypertension)
7. Musculoskeletal injury or lower limb limitation preventing safe engagement in moderate-intensity exercise