RPP is a measure used in exercise physiology. What does RPP primarily indicate?

• A. Oxygen delivery to muscle
• B. Myocardial oxygen demand
• C. Lung ventilation rate
• D. Peripheral resistance

Answer: (B)

RPP, or rate-pressure product, is heart rate multiplied by systolic blood pressure. This product tracks how hard the heart has to work and, as a result, how much oxygen the heart muscle needs. During exercise both heart rate and systolic pressure rise, increasing myocardial workload and therefore oxygen demand. That’s why RPP is a good surrogate for myocardial oxygen consumption. It doesn’t directly reflect oxygen delivery to muscle, which depends on blood flow and oxygen content, nor does it measure lung ventilation or peripheral resistance.