Analyzing Blood Pressure During Rest and Exercise
Understanding Blood Pressure Measurements
Blood pressure consists of two key measurements:
- Systolic pressure: The pressure when the heart contracts (highest pressure)
- Diastolic pressure: The pressure when the heart relaxes (lowest pressure)
Blood pressure is typically written as systolic/diastolic, for example: 120/80 mmHg
Normal Resting Blood Pressure Values
- Normal resting blood pressure for healthy adults:
- Systolic: 90-120 mmHg
- Diastolic: 60-80 mmHg
A quick way to remember normal blood pressure is "120 over 80" as this is considered the ideal reading for most adults.
Blood Pressure Response During Exercise
Systolic Pressure Changes
- Increases significantly during exercise
- Can reach 180-200 mmHg during intense exercise
- Increases linearly with exercise intensity
Diastolic Pressure Changes
- Remains relatively stable or slightly decreases
- Typically stays within 60-80 mmHg range
- May drop slightly due to vasodilation in working muscles
During a progressive cycling test:
- Rest: 120/80 mmHg
- Light exercise: 140/75 mmHg
- Moderate exercise: 160/75 mmHg
- Intense exercise: 180/70 mmHg
Analyzing Blood Pressure Data
Key Patterns to Look For:
- Initial Response
- Sharp increase in systolic pressure
- Minimal change in diastolic pressure
- Exercise Intensity Correlation