Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cardiovascular functions and responses to exercise.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Records the electrical activity of the heart.

P wave

Indicates atrial depolarization.

QRS complex

Indicates ventricular depolarization and atrial repolarization.

T wave

Indicates ventricular repolarization.

Blood Pressure (BP)

The pressure generated by the heart's pumping action and the resistance of the blood vessels.

Systolic pressure (SBP)

The pressure generated during the heart's contraction phase.

Diastolic pressure (DBP)

The pressure in the arteries during the heart's relaxation phase.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP)

Average pressure in the arteries, calculated as DBP + [0.333 (SBP - DBP)].

Hypertension

High blood pressure defined as above 140/90 mmHg.

Cardiac output (CO)

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as HR x SV.

Stroke volume (SV)

The quantity of blood ejected with each heartbeat.

Peripheral resistance

The resistance of the blood vessels, influencing blood pressure.

Frank-Starling Mechanism

Describes how the heart's strength of contraction depends on the volume of blood filling it.

VO2 max

Maximal oxygen consumption during intense exercise, proportionate to cardiac output.

Reactive hyperemia

Increased blood flow following a period of restricted perfusion.

Blood flow distribution during exercise

Involves vasodilation to active muscles and vasoconstriction to non-essential tissues.

Arterial O2 vs. Mixed-venous O2

Indicates the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood.

Cardiovascular drift

Gradual decrease in stroke volume during prolonged exercise due to dehydration.