What happens to diastolic blood pressure during exercise?

During exercise, diastolic blood pressure typically decreases or remains relatively stable. This response occurs because, as physical activity increases, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients rises, leading to vasodilation of the blood vessels in the muscles being used. This widening of the blood vessels allows for easier blood flow, which can prevent significant increases in diastolic blood pressure.

The diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle is when the heart is at rest and filling with blood, and during exercise, the increase in heart rate and contractility primarily affects systolic blood pressure more than diastolic pressure. Therefore, while systolic blood pressure tends to rise significantly during vigorous exercise due to increased cardiac output, diastolic blood pressure usually either decreases or stays constant, reflecting the body's ability to manage increased blood flow while maintaining stable pressure in the arteries.