The above discussion applies to the patient sitting quietly. It is
normal for the BP to increase on exercise, for example, during a
preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise test; indeed, marked
increases in pressure may be seen and the American Thoracic
Society Guidelines suggest that an increase in systolic pressure
up to 220 mm Hg may be considered a normal response. A decrease
in BP on exercise would be considered abnormal and a
possible indication of cardiac disease.