1. The Heart And Circulatory System And Its Relation To Exercise And Health

Question 1

What are the function of the heart valves?

Answer 1

Prevents unwanted backflow of blood into the chambers.

Question 2

What is the heart muscle called?

Answer 2

Myocardium.

Question 3

Where are the semilunar valves located?

Answer 3

The semilunar (SL) valves are located at the base of the arteries leaving the heart (aorta and pulmonary).

Question 4

What are the vales between the atria and ventricles called?

Answer 4

Atrioventricular (AV).

Question 5

How many coronary arteries are there?

Answer 5

Two.

Question 6

The right coronary artery supplies blood to which part of the heart?

Answer 6

The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right ventricle

Question 7

The left coronary artery supplies blood to which part of the heart?

Answer 7

The left coronary artery divides into two, supplying blood to the left ventricle and posterior of the heart.

Question 8

What is the term used to describe hardening of the arteries?

Answer 8

Atherosclerosis.

Question 9

Describe the changes that occur in arteries as a result of plaque formation.

Answer 9

The arteries become thicker, harder and less elastic.

Question 10

Give two risks associated with hypertension.

Answer 10

Ischaemic heart disease (heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke).

Question 11

What is a myocardial infarction?

Answer 11

A heart attack.

Question 12

Give five lifestyle factors that could contribute to blood vessel disease.

Answer 12

• Family history
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Unhealthy diet / overweight
• Smoking

Question 13

What is another name given to a stroke?

Answer 13

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Question 14

What is the term used to describe a reduction in blood flow or lack of blood?

Answer 14

Vascular disease.

Question 15

What is blood pressure?

Answer 15

Blood pressure is a measure of forced that blood applies to the walls of the arteries as it flows through them.

Question 16

What unit is blood pressure measured in?

Answer 16

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Question 17

What is cardiac output?

Answer 17

Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped out by the heart in one minute (ml/min).

Question 18

What is the total peripheral resistance?

Answer 18

Total peripheral resistance is the resistance the blood vessels offer to blood flow.

Question 19

Describe systolic blood pressure (SBP)

Answer 19

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the pressure exerted on the artery walls during the contraction phase of the heartbeat.

Question 20

Describe diastolic blood pressure (DBP)

Answer 20

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the pressure exerted on the artery walls during the relaxation phase of the heartbeat.

Question 21

What is the average blood pressure?

Answer 21

120/80 mmHg.

Question 22

What blood pressure reading would indicate stage 2 hypertension?

Answer 22

160-179/100-109 mmHg.

Question 23

What SBP and DBP readings would be a contraindication to exercise?

Answer 23

Readings above 180 systolic and 110 diastolic.

Question 24

What is considered to be a low blood pressure reading?

Answer 24

<100/<60 mmHg.

Question 25

What is the Valsalva effect?

Answer 25

The Valsalva effect is created by the Valsalva manoeuvre, which involves holding the breath while straining or forced exhalation against a close airway (glottis).

Question 26

What short-term effect dose aerobic exercise have on systolic blood pressure (SBP)?

Answer 26

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases.

Question 27

What short-term effect dose aerobic exercise have on diastolic blood pressure (DBP)?

Answer 27

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may decrease slightly due to vasodilation, or it will remain unchanged.

Question 28

What short-term effect dose heavy resistance training have on DBP?

Answer 28

Heavy resistance training will increase DBP.

Question 29

What is stroke volume?

Answer 29

Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped out with each beat of the heart.

Question 30

Name three long-term cardiovascular changes caused by regular aerobic training.

Answer 30

* Lowers resting heart rate * Lowers blood pressure * Greater stroke volume

Question 31

The heart

Answer 31

* 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.

Question 32

The valves of the heart

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Coronary circulation

Answer 33

* 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.

Question 34

Vascular disease

Answer 34

* 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.

Question 35

Blood pressure and health risks

Answer 35

Ischemic heart disease, e.g. valve disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cerebro-vascular disease, e.g. strokes and degenerative conditions.

Question 36

Cardiovascular benefits of endurance aerobic training

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Exercise and blood pressure considerations

Answer 37

* 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.