1.2.2 a healthy, active lifestyle and your cardiovascular system Flashcards
What is the cardiovascular system?
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood and the blood vessels. Its 2 main functions are to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients, and to remove waste products such as carbon dioxide.
What is meant by the term ‘blood pressure’?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
What is meant by the term ‘systolic blood pressure’?
Systolic blood pressure is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (beats).
What is meant by the term ‘diastolic blood pressure’?
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure of the blood during the relaxation phase of the heart beats (when the heart is at rest).
What is lactic acid?
Lactic acid is a waste product which is produced during exercise and is produced quicker when the intensity of exercise is higher. Lactic acid can lead to aching muscles and eventually cramping.
What is meant by the term ‘cardiac output?
Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected from the heart in one minute.
What is meant by the term ‘stroke volume’?
Stroke volume is the volume of blood pumped out of the heart by each ventricle during one contraction.
What are the long-term benefits of the cardiovascular system resulting from regular exercise?
Decreased resting heart rate – the heart becomes bigger and stronger, meaning it can supply the same amount of blood with fewer beats.
Quicker heart recovery rate – the heart can return to its normal rate after exercise quicker than it used to be able to.
Increased stroke volume – more blood is pumped by the heart every week, making it more efficient and stronger. This leads to increased cardiac output also.
Reduced blood pressure – the heart is more efficient and stronger as a result of exercise, therefore blood pressure is reduced
Healthier veins & arteries – blood vessels are more flexible and efficient and so stay clear as well as increasing the number of capillaries in the heart.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Lipoproteins come in two forms:
High density lipoprotein (HDL) - contains more protein than fat as is referred to as ‘good cholesterol’ because it carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, which removes it from the body.
Low density Cholesterol (LDL) -consists mainly of fat and referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’. Can lead to build-up of plaque in the blood which can restrict blood flow to the arteries.
What are the effects of recreational drugs on the cardiovascular system?
Cigarettes (nicotine the drug) - raises blood pressure because they release adrenaline. Adrenaline constricts the arteries and causes the heart to beat faster.
Smoking - lowers HDL (good cholesterol) and increases the tendency for blood to clot, which can lead to serious problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
Alcohol - long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to the lowering of blood pressure
