L3 PT - Blood pressure

What is the optimal blood pressure reading as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)?

• 130/90 mmHg

• 120/80 mmHg

• 110/70 mmHg

• 140/85 mmHg

Answer explanation

The optimal blood pressure reading defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is 120/80 mmHg, which is considered normal and healthy for adults.

What does systolic blood pressure (SBP) measure?

• The pressure in the veins during relaxation

• The pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed

• The pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting

• The pressure in the veins when the heart is contracting

Answer explanation

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting, which is when blood is pumped out of the heart. This is why the correct answer is 'The pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting'.

What is the term used to describe consistently high blood pressure?

• Hypotension

• Hypertension

• Hyperglycemia

• Hypoglycemia

Answer explanation

The term for consistently high blood pressure is 'Hypertension'. In contrast, 'Hypotension' refers to low blood pressure, while 'Hyperglycemia' and 'Hypoglycemia' relate to blood sugar levels.

What is cardiac output?

• The resistance of blood vessels to blood flow

• The volume of blood pumped out by the heart in one minute

• The pressure in the arteries during relaxation

• The pressure in the veins during contraction

Answer explanation

Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood pumped out by the heart in one minute. This is a crucial measure of heart function, reflecting how effectively the heart is supplying blood to the body.

What increases total peripheral resistance?

• Dilation of blood vessels

• Constriction of blood vessels

• Decrease in blood volume

• Increase in heart rate

Answer explanation

Constriction of blood vessels increases total peripheral resistance by narrowing the lumen, which raises the resistance to blood flow. In contrast, dilation decreases resistance, while changes in blood volume and heart rate have different effects.

What is the recommended action for someone with severe hypertension according to the blood pressure classification table?

• Seek medical guidance prior to exercising.

• Exercise is recommended if there are no other concerns.

• It is a complete contraindication to advise a client to exercise.

• No specific action is needed.

Answer explanation

Severe hypertension poses significant health risks, making exercise a complete contraindication. It's crucial to prioritize medical evaluation and management before considering any physical activity.

What happens to systolic blood pressure (SBP) during increased exertion?

• SBP decreases significantly.

• SBP remains stable.

• SBP naturally rises in line with increasing levels of exertion.

• SBP drops to optimal levels.

Answer explanation

During increased exertion, systolic blood pressure (SBP) naturally rises to meet the body's increased demand for oxygen and nutrients, making 'SBP naturally rises in line with increasing levels of exertion' the correct choice.

What is the Valsalva manoeuvre?

• A technique to increase oxygen intake during exercise.

• A breathing technique where the mouth and nose are closed while air is forced against a closed airway.

• A method to decrease blood pressure rapidly.

• A relaxation technique to lower heart rate.

Answer explanation

The Valsalva manoeuvre involves closing the mouth and nose while attempting to exhale, creating pressure in the chest. This technique is used in various medical contexts, making the second option the correct description.

What is the effect of heavy weight training on blood pressure?

• It decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

• It has no effect on blood pressure.

• It significantly increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

• It only affects diastolic blood pressure.

Answer explanation

Heavy weight training significantly increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to the intense exertion and muscle engagement required, leading to temporary spikes in blood pressure during and after the workout.

What is the effect of regular aerobic exercise on blood pressure in mild and moderate hypertensives?

• Increases by 5-7mmHg

• Reduces by 5-7mmHg

• No change

• Increases by 10-12mmHg

Answer explanation

Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure in individuals with mild and moderate hypertension by approximately 5-7mmHg, making it an effective intervention for managing hypertension.