During rehabilitation, which activity would typically cause the greatest increase in systolic blood pressure for a cardiac patient?

• A. Shoveling
• B. Walking
• C. Cycling
• D. Sitting

Answer: (A)

When a person with heart disease is exercising, systolic blood pressure rises to meet the demands of the activity. The largest increases occur with tasks that require substantial muscular force and sometimes a short, intense push or lift, especially when there’s a static or breath-holding component. Shoveling fits this pattern because it involves lifting and moving a load with the arms and trunk, often with effort that includes a momentary breath hold, which can markedly raise intrathoracic pressure and cardiac output. That combination typically produces a bigger spike in systolic pressure than steady, rhythmic aerobic activities like walking or cycling, where the workload is spread more evenly over time. Sitting, being rest, does not raise systolic pressure.