Final answer:
During intense exercise, systolic blood pressure increases significantly to improve blood flow, while diastolic pressure shows less dramatic changes, indicating effective circulation and oxygen delivery during heightened physical demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
As exercise intensity increases to near maximal VO2 during an exercise session, there are notable changes observed in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure, which is the arterial pressure during ventricular contraction, typically increases to enhance blood flow to the muscles. For instance, it can soar from resting values of around 120 mm Hg to as high as 200 mm Hg in well-trained athletes during maximal exercise. On the other hand, diastolic pressure, which reflects arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation, usually changes less dramatically, potentially showing a slight decrease or a moderate increase. During intense workouts, diastolic pressure can increase from a resting value of around 80 mm Hg to about 90 mm Hg in athletes.
These changes in blood pressure are part of the body’s physiological adaptation to increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles and to facilitate the removal of metabolic byproducts.