What vital sign response during recovery from sub-maximal exercise would concern you the most?

The response that raises the most concern during recovery from sub-maximal exercise is a drop in heart rate (HR) of 50 beats per minute after two minutes. This significant reduction in HR indicates a potentially abnormal cardiovascular response to exercise.

Typically, during recovery from physical exertion, the heart rate should gradually decrease as the body returns to its resting state. While some variability in HR drop is normal, an excessive drop—such as 50 bpm in a short period—can suggest underlying issues such as autonomic dysfunction or problems with heart muscle response. This reaction may be a sign that the cardiovascular system is failing to adequately manage the transition from exercise to rest, which could lead to complications if not addressed.

In contrast, a smaller drop in HR, such as 12 bpm or 30 bpm, generally reflects a more typical recovery pattern and is often observed in healthy individuals. Additionally, the absence of a drop in diastolic blood pressure after exercise is concerning but does not typically reflect the same immediate risk as an exaggerated drop in heart rate.