Exercise-Induced Hypertension Risk Index (EIHR Index) Calculator

Exercise-Induced Hypertension Risk Index (EIHR Index): Explanation and Clinical Context Exercise-Induced Hypertension (EIH) refers to an exaggerated increase in systolic blood pressure during graded exercise testing, typically defined as a peak systolic BP ≥210 mmHg in men or ≥190 mmHg in women. It reflects increased vascular stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, and an early marker of future sustained hypertension and cardiovascular events. The EIHR Index provides a composite numerical estimate of an individual’s risk for EIH by integrating the rise in systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP), the rate-pressure product (RPP), resting diastolic pressure, exercise duration, and age.

A higher score suggests reduced vascular compliance, increased afterload response, and potential for masked hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy. Clinical Significance: Elevated EIHR Index correlates with increased risk of future hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes even in normotensive individuals. It is particularly useful for stratifying risk in athletes, hypertensive patients under treatment, and individuals with borderline office BP readings.

Interpretation Summary: Low risk (EIHR Index < 7.5): Normal exercise BP response. Moderate risk (7.5–9.9): Early vascular response alteration, consider lifestyle modification. High risk (≥10): Strongly predictive of future hypertension or LVH, consider ambulatory BP monitoring and closer follow-up.