NSCF Personal Trainer Complete Practice Exam

The focus on a dramatic increase in diastolic blood pressure as a risk factor during aerobic training highlights the importance of understanding how blood pressure responds to exercise. Normally, systolic blood pressure rises during exercise due to increased cardiac output, while diastolic blood pressure should ideally remain stable or elevate only slightly.

If diastolic blood pressure shows a significant increase, it may indicate adverse cardiovascular response, potentially pointing to issues such as vascular resistance or poor cardiac function. This could lead to a compromised ability of the heart and blood vessels to adapt to the demands of the training, potentially heightening the risk of cardiovascular events.

Systolic blood pressure and heart rate are expected to rise with aerobic exercise, as they reflect the heart's increased workload to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles. Respiratory rate also increases to accommodate elevated oxygen demand and carbon dioxide removal during physical activity. However, these responses are considered normal and not indicative of an immediate risk, distinguishing them from the concerns associated with a significant rise in diastolic blood pressure during exercise.