Which blood pressure reading constitutes a relative contraindication to exercise?

Which blood pressure reading constitutes a relative contraindication to exercise?

• A. 120/80
• B. 150/95
• C. 165/95
• D. >180/110

Answer: (D)

High resting blood pressure is a key safety signal for exercise. When resting BP is greater than 180 systolic or 110 diastolic, it indicates a level of risk during physical activity that makes starting or continuing exercise a relative contraindication. In this range, the heart and vessels are already under significant stress, and adding the workload from exercise could trigger adverse events like ischemia, arrhythmias, or a hypertensive crisis. That’s why such a reading prompts postponing exercise or seeking medical evaluation to optimize BP first. A normal resting reading like 120/80 is safe to exercise. Readings around 150/95 or 165/95 show hypertension but aren’t automatic contraindications; they may be managed with supervised, monitored exercise and possible medical clearance, depending on the overall risk profile. The threshold that marks a relative contraindication here is the reading exceeding 180/110.

High resting blood pressure is a key safety signal for exercise. When resting BP is greater than 180 systolic or 110 diastolic, it indicates a level of risk during physical activity that makes starting or continuing exercise a relative contraindication. In this range, the heart and vessels are already under significant stress, and adding the workload from exercise could trigger adverse events like ischemia, arrhythmias, or a hypertensive crisis. That’s why such a reading prompts postponing exercise or seeking medical evaluation to optimize BP first.

A normal resting reading like 120/80 is safe to exercise. Readings around 150/95 or 165/95 show hypertension but aren’t automatic contraindications; they may be managed with supervised, monitored exercise and possible medical clearance, depending on the overall risk profile. The threshold that marks a relative contraindication here is the reading exceeding 180/110.