1. The Heart And Circulatory System And Its Relation To Exercise And Health Flashcards
What are the function of the heart valves?
Prevents unwanted backflow of blood into the chambers.
What is the heart muscle called?
Myocardium.
Where are the semilunar valves located?
The semilunar (SL) valves are located at the base of the arteries leaving the heart (aorta and pulmonary).
What are the vales between the atria and ventricles called?
Atrioventricular (AV).
How many coronary arteries are there?
Two.
The right coronary artery supplies blood to which part of the heart?
The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right ventricle
The left coronary artery supplies blood to which part of the heart?
The left coronary artery divides into two, supplying blood to the left ventricle and posterior of the heart.
What is the term used to describe hardening of the arteries?
Atherosclerosis.
Describe the changes that occur in arteries as a result of plaque formation.
The arteries become thicker, harder and less elastic.
Give two risks associated with hypertension.
Ischaemic heart disease (heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke).
What is a myocardial infarction?
A heart attack.
Give five lifestyle factors that could contribute to blood vessel disease.
- Family history
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Unhealthy diet / overweight
- Smoking
What is another name given to a stroke?
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
What is the term used to describe a reduction in blood flow or lack of blood?
Vascular disease.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of forced that blood applies to the walls of the arteries as it flows through them.
What unit is blood pressure measured in?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
What is cardiac output?
Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped out by the heart in one minute (ml/min).
What is the total peripheral resistance?
Total peripheral resistance is the resistance the blood vessels offer to blood flow.
Describe systolic blood pressure (SBP)
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the pressure exerted on the artery walls during the contraction phase of the heartbeat.
Describe diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the pressure exerted on the artery walls during the relaxation phase of the heartbeat.
What is the average blood pressure?
120/80 mmHg.
What blood pressure reading would indicate stage 2 hypertension?
160-179/100-109 mmHg.
What SBP and DBP readings would be a contraindication to exercise?
Readings above 180 systolic and 110 diastolic.
What is considered to be a low blood pressure reading?
<100/<60 mmHg.
What is the Valsalva effect?
The Valsalva effect is created by the Valsalva manoeuvre, which involves holding the breath while straining or forced exhalation against a close airway (glottis).
What short-term effect dose aerobic exercise have on systolic blood pressure (SBP)?
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases.
What short-term effect dose aerobic exercise have on diastolic blood pressure (DBP)?
Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may decrease slightly due to vasodilation, or it will remain unchanged.
What short-term effect dose heavy resistance training have on DBP?
Heavy resistance training will increase DBP.
What is stroke volume?
Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped out with each beat of the heart.
Name three long-term cardiovascular changes caused by regular aerobic training.
- Lowers resting heart rate
- Lowers blood pressure
- Greater stroke volume
The heart
- The heart is a muscular pump.
- It is located behind and to the left of the sternum.
- It supplies blood to the body’s tissues.
The valves of the heart
Right & Left semi-lunar valves: As each ventricle relaxes, pressure in the chamber drops. Higher blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and aorta forces the valves to shut, preventing back-flow of blood into the ventricle.
Right & Left atrioventricular valves: These are forced shut as each ventricle contracts. These prevent blood from flowing back into the atriums.
Coronary circulation
- Oxygen and nutrients are carried in the blood.
- The coronary circulation is comprised of two branches.
- They supply both the superficial and deep tissues of the heart.
Vascular disease
- Vascular disease is the narrowing of the blood vessels.
- It’s caused by plaque build-up on the vessel wall.
- It restricts or prevents blood flow to tissues and organs.
Blood pressure and health risks
Ischemic heart disease, e.g. valve disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Cerebro-vascular disease, e.g. strokes and degenerative conditions.
Cardiovascular benefits of endurance aerobic training
A greater stroke volume, i.e. more blood pumped per beat.
- A lower relative exercise heart rate, which allows for greater performance potential.
- Stronger, more elastic arteries.
- Lower levels of cholesterol.
- An improved blood supply to the body’s tissues.
- Higher levels of haemoglobin in the blood, which increases its oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Lower blood pressure in the long term.
Exercise and blood pressure considerations
- Physical activity carries certain risks to those with pre-existing high blood pressure:
- Further increases in already-high blood pressure.
- Valsava effect – caused by holding your breath while straining.
- For most people, the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks.
