National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What symptom is indicative of a decrease in systolic blood pressure during exercise?

1. Dizziness

2. Increased heart rate

3. Increased respiratory rate

4. Increased diastolic pressure

The correct answer is: Dizziness

Dizziness is a symptom that can be indicative of a decrease in systolic blood pressure during exercise. When an individual's blood pressure drops, particularly the systolic component, the body may not adequately perfuse vital organs, leading to symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness. In a healthy response to exercise, one would typically expect systolic blood pressure to rise due to increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance. However, if there is a dysfunction in the cardiovascular system, such as inadequate heart function or blood volume, the expected rise in systolic blood pressure may not occur. When this happens, the reduced pressure can supplant normal cerebral perfusion, resulting in dizziness. The other options, such as increased heart rate and increased respiratory rate, generally correspond to the body's compensatory mechanisms during activity rather than directly indicating low systolic blood pressure. Similarly, increased diastolic pressure is not associated with the symptoms caused by reduced systolic pressure during exercise.