Effects of Beetroot Extract on Blood Pressure and Exercise in Hypertensive Older Women

Acute Effects of Beetroot Extract Supplementation on Blood Pressure, Oxidative Stress, and Muscle Oxygen Saturation in Hypertensive Older Women Submitted to an Aerobic Exercise Session

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the acute effects of beetroot extract in older women with high blood pressure. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does beetroot extract affect blood pressure during exercise? Does it change oxygen levels in the muscles? Participants will take a beetroot supplement and perform an aerobic exercise session to check how their bodies respond.

Note: Although registered as Single Group/Open Label for data entry purposes, this study is strictly double-blind and randomized regarding the order of interventions (crossover design).

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in older adults. Dietary nitrate, found in beetroot extract, has been shown to improve vascular health and exercise tolerance. However, its specific effects on older women with hypertension during exercise require further investigation.

This clinical trial aims to analyze the acute impact of beetroot extract supplementation on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Specifically, the study will measure blood pressure responses, oxidative stress markers, and muscle oxygen saturation (assessed via NIRS) in hypertensive older women submitted to a single session of aerobic exercise. The goal is to determine if nitrate supplementation can attenuate the cardiovascular stress of exercise and improve muscle oxygenation in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female sex: Older women aged between 60 and 70 years.
• Physical capability: Absence of health conditions that could compromise performance in the required physical exercise tests.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking: Current smokers.
• Alcohol use: History of alcohol abuse or excessive alcohol consumption.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (other than the primary condition of hypertension).