Question

Why does diastolic blood pressure increase during isometric exercise?

Answer 1

Isometric exercise is associated with acute hemodynamic changesconsisting of increases in systolic,diastolic, and mean arterial pressureand also an increase in heart rate and cardiac output. The peripheral vascular resistance is either not changed or decreased.

Answer 2

Isometric exercise produces a characteristic pressor increase in blood pressure which may be important in maintaining perfusion of muscle during sustained contraction. This response is mediated by combined central and peripheral afferent input to medullary cardiovascular centers.