What condition is characterized by low blood pressure and elevated pulse rate after intense physical activity?

The condition characterized by low blood pressure and elevated pulse rate after intense physical activity is hypovolemia. When the body undergoes strenuous exercise, it requires more blood and oxygen to sustain the increased level of activity. If there is a deficit in blood volume—whether due to inadequate fluid intake, excessive fluid loss through sweating, or other factors—it can lead to hypovolemia. This can result in symptoms such as low blood pressure, which occurs because there is less fluid in the circulatory system to exert pressure against the vessel walls, and an elevated pulse rate, as the heart works harder to maintain adequate circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissues.

The physiological response to hypovolemia involves compensatory mechanisms that increase heart rate and peripheral vascular resistance to help maintain blood flow to vital organs, despite the overall decrease in blood volume. Recognizing this condition, especially after intense exercise, is critical for athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities, as it can lead to dehydration and more severe complications if not addressed.

Conditions such as hypervolemia would more likely lead to increased blood pressure rather than low blood pressure, while maldistribution describes uneven distribution of blood flow rather than a decrease in overall blood volume. Dehydration, while related, does not