Q. Explain Hypertensive Response?

Hypertension at rest has long been known to be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Significant elevation of BP during exercise higher than the expected normal response has been recognized as adding an additional metabolic burden.

BP Response with Age

As patients grow older, although the cardiac output with exercise increase at about the same ratio as in younger subjects, the peripheral resistance is greater so that the systolic pressure is higher. The normal maximal systolic pressure in older subjects is higher as age progress, it suggests that cardiac function is good and that cardiac output can increase.