Exercise and the Circulatory System

Exercise and the Circulatory System

1. Heart Rate

   • Resting = around 72bpm
   • Needs to be raised to 60% of maximum to improve cardiovascular fitness
   • Maximum = 220 - age
   • Time taken for heart rate to return to resting = recovery rate

2. In prolonged aerobic events it is important that the blood controls oxygen and glucose levels, waste removal and body temperature so the performance can be sustained for the duration of the event

3. In anaerobic respiration, glucose is used immediately - demand is controlled by blood circulation

4. After high intensity exercise, lactic acid is removed via the circulatory system which then relieves cramp/fatigue

5. Effects of regular exercise and training

   • Endurance or aerobic helps strengthen the heart
   • Size of heart increases; walls become thicker, stronger and more robust
   • Rest stroke volume increases
   • Resting heart rate is lower
     • Slower bmp = more efficient heart is at pumping required amount of blood with fewer beats
       • Slower resting heart rate = fitter the person is
   • A person with good aerobic fitness is able to keep working efficiently without tiring or losing skill