Effect of Exercise on the Cardiovascular System (Essay Sample)

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Effect of Exercise on the Cardiovascular System
The aged are faced with many problems associated with their cardiovascular systems. On the verge to understand them it worth understanding the functions played by the cardiovascular system. The system plays the role of oxygenating muscles that are engaged in an activity (Hemmert 98). This begins by ensuring that the blood is oxygenated in the lungs before it is delivered to the muscles that require the oxygen. The cardiovascular system also plays the role of transporting heat all over the body (Fagard 141). The system also delivers nutrients to the active tissues in the body. It is also the function of the cardiovascular system to transport hormones produced in the body to their respective areas where they are required.
During exercise, the demand in the cardiovascular system increases significantly. The demand for oxygen in the muscles grows tremendously (Hermansen 83). More and more waste is produced depending on how vigorous the exercise is. This is because the rate of metabolism increases. The cardiovascular system in turn adapts to regulate the changes as well as meet the demands that are on the rise. Exercise therefore has its impact on the cardiovascular system. The effects could be analyzed as short term and long term.
To begin with is the effect on the heart rate. In normal adults who are resting, the heart rate ranges between 60 and 80 beats per minute. This however could vary with age. For instance the heart rate for middle aged humans can go up to 100 beats per minute (Tuxen 785). Even before exercise begins, the heart rate increases due to anticipation. This is brought about by the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones (Hemmert 98). After the exercise commences, the heart rate increases but proportionally until it reaches a maximum. At this maximum heart rate, the body is able to regulate all the activities in its tissues.
Effect on stroke volume is the other factor that is worth considering. Stroke volume can be defined as the amount of blood from the left ventricle that is ejected from the heart per beat (Hermansen 82). It is measure in ml/beat. Stroke volume proportionally increases as the exercise intensifies. Normally, stroke volume for humans at rest ranges between 50ml/beat and 70 ml/beat. During exercise, this can increase to between 110 ml/beat and 130 ml/beat. This can be interpreted as a 40-60% increase from the maximal capacity. After reaching the maximum, it remains unchanged until the exhaustion point (Hemmert 98).
Cardiac output is also an important consideration. It refers to the volume of blood which the heart pumps in a minute. It is measured in L/min (Fagard 144). It varies directly with heart rate and stroke volume since it is a product of both. This means that an increase in either the heart rate or the stroke volume will lead to an increase in cardiac output.
In response to continued exercise, the cardiovascular system goes through adaptations. The heart increase in size, that is in terms of mass and volume (Fagard 145). The cardiac muscles become stronger and the cardiac walls become thicker. The heart rate gradually decreases in comparison to previous exercise occasions (Clausen 803). The stroke volume increases and so does the cardiac output. This is to ensure that all tissues are adequately supplied for. ...