BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular response to resistance training is influenced by different variables such as intensity and volume. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of resistance training sessions differing in level of effort on blood pressure and arterial stiffness. METHODS: Thirty-two men performed 3 sets at 75% of 1-RM during the bench press and squat exercises to failure (n= 16; high-effort group), or performing half of the maximum possible number of repetitions per set (n= 16; low-effort group). Blood pressure (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and mean arterial pressure [MAP]) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were measured before training (Pre), immediately after training (Post 1), 5 minutes after training (Post 2), and 24 hours after training (Post 3). RESULTS: A main effect of time (p⩽ 0.012) was observed for all variables due to higher values at Post 1 compared to Post 2 (effect size [ES] range: 0.34–1.37) and Post 3 (ES range: 0.37–0.92). When compared to Pre, increases higher than a ES of 0.20 were observed for the high-effort group compared to the low-effort group at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Training to failure should be discouraged to avoid acute increases in blood pressure and arterial stiffness.