How does systolic blood pressure typically respond to increasing workloads in normal adults?

The correct response highlights that systolic blood pressure typically increases by approximately 10 mmHg for each metabolic equivalent (MET) during physical activity in normal adults. This relationship reflects the physiological demands placed on the cardiovascular system as exercise intensity rises.

As the workload increases, the body requires more oxygen, leading the heart to pump harder and faster to ensure adequate blood flow to working muscles. This increased activity results in greater stroke volume and heart rate, contributing to an elevation in systolic blood pressure. The guideline of an increase of about 10 mmHg per MET provides a useful framework for understanding how blood pressure changes during exercise.

Understanding this concept is essential in fields related to health promotion and exercise physiology because it helps to anticipate how individuals might respond to exercise training and to design appropriate programs for varying fitness levels.