The Impact of Exercise on Health and Fitness

Question 1

What effects can physical activity have on health?

Answer 1

Decreased:
- Blood pressure
- Risk of coronary heart disease
- Risk of stroke
- Plaque accumulation
- LDL cholesterol

Increased:
- HDL cholesterol
- Blood vessel width

Question 2

What effects can physical activity have on fitness?

Answer 2

Increased:
- Gaseous exchange
- Lung volume
- Oxygen available
- Stroke volume
- Cardiac output
- Heart efficiency
- Capacity for exercise
- Intensity of exercise

Question 3

What is coronary heart disease?

Answer 3

Coronary heart disease is the blockage of the coronary arteries caused by fatty build-up.

High levels of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) can lead to the formation of cholesterol plaques and restrict the size of the arteries.

Question 4

What is high blood pressure?

Answer 4

High blood pressure is a raised force of blood against the wall of the blood vessel which can be diagnosed by a systolic blood pressure greater than 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure greater than 90mmHg.

Increases risk of: heart disease, heart attacks, stroke.

Question 5

What causes a stroke?

Answer 5

Strokes occur when the amount of blood supplied to the brain is restricted by a blockage in the arteries supplying the brain.