Lifting weights can cause a temporary, but dramatic, rise in blood pressure. Research has recorded systolic readings climbing well above 300 mm Hg during heavy lifting, even in people whose blood pressure is typically a healthy 120/80 or lower.

Long term high blood pressure is linked to arterial endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium is the inner lining of your artery walls. Endothelial dysfunction can result in the hardening of artery walls. Researchers have been monitoring the effects of short duration rises in blood pressure, such as what occurs during strength training, to determine the effect on endothelial function. It has been determined that acute rises in blood pressure impair endothelial function in untrained individuals, and that regular resistance training helps protect against vascular dysfunction.