What drop in systolic blood pressure is a contraindication for VO2 max testing?

A drop in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mmHg during exercise is considered a contraindication for conducting a VO2 max test because it indicates that the heart is not responding appropriately to the increased demands of exercise. This could signal an underlying cardiovascular issue, such as inadequate blood flow or cardiac insufficiency.

Monitoring blood pressure during exercise testing is crucial, as it offers insights into cardiovascular performance and stability. An excessive drop in systolic blood pressure can be a sign of compromised hemodynamics, which may put the participant at risk for adverse events during the test.

Understanding the implications of blood pressure responses informs practitioners on when to halt exercise testing to ensure safety, emphasizing the significance of recognizing these physiological signals in an evaluation setting.