cardiovascular drift

Question 1

steady state

Answer 1

where the athlete is able to meet the oxygen demand with the oxygen supply

Question 2

define cardiovascular drift

Answer 2

gradual increase in heart rate alongside a lowered stroke volume/ arterial blood pressure. This takes place during prolonged exercise in warm conditions while exercise intensity is sustained

Question 3

explain cardiovascular drift

Answer 3

• occurs during prolonged exercise (10 mins)
• prolonged decrease in stroke volume and arterial blood pressure and a rise in heart rate with no change in workload
• when we sweat a proportion of the lost fluid comes from plasma volume.
• this causes a reduction in venous return and stroke volume
• HR increases to compensate and maintain a higher cardiac output in an attempt to create more energy and cool down the body
• to minimise this cardiovascular drift it is important to maintain high fluid consumption before and during exercise.