Attenuated Rapid-Onset Vasodilation to Forearm Muscle Contraction in Black Men

Kaur and colleagues reported that rapid onset vasodilation induced by a single contraction of the forearm muscles was significantly attenuated in non-Hispanic Black men, compared to white men, and this attenuation was evident even at low intensity muscle contractions. The authors also reported reduced vasodilation to forearm cuff inflation, which was used to examine the contribution of the mechanical compression that occurs during muscle contraction. Collectively, these findings suggest an overall reduced ability to rapidly vasodilate in Black men that is independent of large systemic cardiovascular changes and muscle metabolism. The extent to which this attenuated hyperemia at the immediate onset of exercise might contribute to lower blood flow responses previously observed during steady-state handgrip exercise in Black men warrants further investigation.