The American Heart Association refers to high blood pressure as the "silent killer," so understanding what your blood pressure readings are and what they mean is recommended. You may be familiar with what your resting blood pressure should be, but what about when you exercise? Knowledge of a typical blood pressure response during exercise versus a potential warning sign for a heart attack or heart disease is important for you to have.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measurements are recorded in two numbers -- systolic and diastolic. These numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. Systolic blood pressure is the top number and normally the higher of the two readings. It is the measurement of the pressure on the arteries when the heart contracts, or beats. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure is the measurement of the arterial pressure in between beats when the heart ventricles are resting and refilling with blood.
Resting Blood Pressure Recommendations
A normal, or healthy, blood pressure level is a systolic blood pressure under 120 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg. If you have several readings with a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or above and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, you may have high blood pressure. This should be confirmed by a health care provider and the measurements should be taken while you are in a resting state.
During Exercise
You may know your resting blood pressure, but are not sure what to expect when you are exercising. Systolic blood pressure typically increases during a single bout of exercise. You will see a greater increase in systolic blood pressure when you add more intensity to your workout. However, systolic measurements normally max out around 190 to 220 mmHg. Your diastolic blood pressure should remain near or just under your resting measurement during exercise.
Warning Signs
If your systolic blood pressure exceeds 250 mmHg during an exercise session, you should end the workout, particularly if you have any other signs or symptoms of cardiovascular distress such as chest pain, dizziness or an unusually high heart rate. Another abnormal response is no increase in systolic blood pressure with increasing exercise intensity. If your diastolic blood pressure increases to values over 115 mgHg, it is also a good idea to end the session. If you experience any of these blood pressure responses during an exercise workout, consult with your health care provider before resuming your exercise plan.
References
- American Heart Association: Every Step Counts
- "ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer"; Laura Alderman, et al.; 2010
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription"; Lawrence Armstrong, et al.; 2010
