What systolic blood pressure increase is acceptable during the ETT without causing concern?

An increase of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure during an exercise tolerance test (ETT) is considered acceptable and does not typically raise concern. This threshold is significant because it indicates that the cardiovascular system is responding appropriately to the increased demands of physical activity.

During an ETT, it is expected that blood pressure will rise as the heart works harder to pump blood to the muscles. A rise of 20 mm Hg demonstrates a good physiological response, reflecting the heart's ability to increase output effectively. An increase beyond this range, particularly higher levels, might suggest potential underlying issues, such as cardiovascular strain or insufficient heart response to exertion.

Conversely, smaller increases (10 mm and 15 mm) might indicate a less robust response, while a jump of 25 mm or more could signify a concerning reaction that warrants further investigation. Thus, the 20 mm threshold serves as a clinical benchmark for doctors to assess the safety and durability of a patient’s cardiovascular function during exercise.