Which vital sign should normally drop after sub-maximal exercise ends?

After sub-maximal exercise ends, it is expected that the heart rate will gradually decrease as the body begins to return to a resting state. During exercise, the heart rate increases to supply more oxygenated blood to the working muscles. Once the physical activity stops, the demand for oxygen decreases, leading to a reduction in heart rate as the cardiovascular system eases back into its baseline levels of activity.

This response is a normal physiological adjustment, allowing the body to shift from a heightened state of exertion to a relaxed state. Monitoring this change in heart rate is essential in assessing an individual's cardiovascular fitness and recovery ability following exercise. A significant drop in heart rate after exercise can indicate a healthy cardiovascular system, while an unusually slow decrease may suggest potential cardiovascular or autonomic issues.

In contrast, the other vital signs mentioned may not exhibit the same predictable pattern after sub-maximal exercise ends. For example, diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure can remain stable or even rise momentarily due to residual systemic effects from exercise, and respiration rate may initially remain elevated or change depending on recovery needs rather than simply dropping.