During aerobic exercise, what typically happens to systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

During aerobic exercise, the physiological response of the cardiovascular system includes an increase in cardiac output to meet the metabolic demands of the working muscles. As a result, systolic blood pressure typically rises due to the increased volume of blood being pumped from the heart with each contraction. This ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered efficiently to the tissues that are actively being used during exercise.

In contrast, diastolic blood pressure may either remain relatively stable or decrease slightly during exercise. This occurs as the blood vessels in the exercising muscles dilate to accommodate increased blood flow, which can result in a lower resistance in the peripheral vasculature.

Thus, during aerobic exercise, the classic response is characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure while diastolic blood pressure remains the same or shows a slight decrease, making the selected answer appropriate. This reaction is notable in distinguishing how the body adapts to the demands of exercise, ensuring proper circulation while balancing pressure within the arteries.