Summary Introduction We investigated acute hemodynamic responses during resistance exercises performed with small and large muscle mass, comparing high intensity resistance exercises and low intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction. Summary of facts and results In a randomized crossover design, 15 sedentary men aged 40–60 years performed four exercise sessions: 45° hip angle leg-press (80% 1-RM), 45° hip angle leg-press (20% 1-RM) with blood flow restriction, knee extension (80% 1-RM), knee extension (20% 1-RM) with blood flow restriction. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and at the end of each set of exercise sessions. Blood pressure values were higher for sessions with blood flow restriction (systolic peak of 170.27 mmHg in knee extension and diastolic peak of 92.40 mmHg in leg press) compared to high intensities sessions whereas heart rate (peak of 140.53 bpm for leg press) and double product (peak of 23,688 mmHg bpm for leg press) were significantly increased at high intensities compared to blood flow restriction protocols. The results are achieved regardless of the size of muscle mass involved in the exercises. Conclusion BFR method consists of a deciding factor for increase hemodynamic variables during exercise regardless of the size the muscle mass involved and should be prescribed with carefully for population.