Blood Pressure Responses to Exercise Types
Blood pressure (BP) is influenced by the type of exercise being performed. Exercise can lead to changes in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, depending on whether the activity is dynamic (aerobic) or static (anaerobic). These changes reflect the demands placed on the cardiovascular system during physical activity.
1. Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (during ventricular systole). It is the higher of the two blood pressure readings and typically increases during exercise to meet the increased demand for oxygen and nutrients by the muscles.
Dynamic Exercise (Aerobic Exercise)
- Examples: Running, cycling, swimming, walking, rowing.
- Effect on Systolic BP: Typical Response:
- Systolic blood pressure increases significantly during dynamic exercises as the heart works harder to pump more blood to the muscles.
- During aerobic exercise, cardiac output increases, which means the heart pumps more blood per minute (due to an increase in heart rate and stroke volume). This results in a higher systolic BP.
- The increase in systolic BP reflects the body’s effort to deliver oxygen to muscles that are actively working.
- Systolic BP can increase by 20-50 mmHg or more during moderate to intense aerobic exercise.
Static Exercise (Anaerobic Exercise)
- Examples: Weightlifting, resistance training, isometric exercises (e.g., holding a plank).
- Effect on Systolic BP: Typical Response:
- Systolic blood pressure increases to a higher degree than during dynamic exercise because static exercises involve muscle contractions that generate significant pressure within blood vessels.
- During static exercises, muscles contract forcefully and reduce blood flow through them, which increases the pressure in the arteries.
