What symptom relating to heart rate and blood pressure is commonly exhibited by patients with CAD after exercise?

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) often exhibit a very slow return to resting levels of heart rate and blood pressure after exercise. This phenomenon can be attributed to the impaired autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function that occurs in individuals with CAD. After exercise, the body's ability to efficiently regulate heart rate and blood pressure may be compromised, resulting in prolonged elevations in these parameters.

In healthy individuals, heart rate and blood pressure typically return to baseline relatively quickly following physical activity due to effective autonomic nervous system responses. However, for those with CAD, the reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart can lead to a delayed recovery. Monitoring this response is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance in patients with CAD. Understanding this symptom can help clinicians in designing safe and effective exercise programs tailored to the specific needs of individuals with cardiovascular conditions.