Cardiovascular system
(a) Increase in of heart rate
(b) Decrease in Resting Heart rate
(c) Stroke Volume Increases at rest
(d) Increase in Cardiac output ( Any five to be explained)
(e) Increase in Blood Flow
(f) Decrease in Blood pressure
(g) Increase in Blood Volume
(h) Quicker Recovery Rate
(i) Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Detailed Answer :
Long term effects of exercises on cardiovascular system :
(a) Heart size increases : The size of the heart and the strength of the cardiac muscle increases due to regular exercises as to the maximum extent the left ventricle adapts. The walls of the heart becomes stronger and thicker as shown in recent studies and the thickness of myocardial wall increases as well.
(b) Resting heart rate decreases : The resting heart rate decreases due to regular exercises. After duration of 10–week training programme, the resting heart rate may reduce upto 10 beats per minute from the normal of 72 beats per minute. The heart becomes more efficient due to regular exercises. In highly conditioned athletes, the resting heart rate decreases to 30 beats/minute.
(c) Blood flow increases : The body increases its number of capillaries to the requirement of supplying more oxygen during exercise to the muscles. The existing capillaries open wider as well. Further, the redistribution of blood becomes efficient and effectual. As a matter of fact, blood circulation in the body increases.
(d) Cardiac output increases : The cardiac output tends to increase as a result of regular exercise. At resting conditions, in untrained individuals, the cardiac output can possibly be 14 to 20 litres/minute while for trained individuals it can be upto 25 to 35 litres/ minute and cardiac output can be as high as 40 litres/minute in elite athletes.
(e) Risk of heart disease reduces : Stress related hormones progressively get reduced from circulating in the blood due to regular exercises. This increases the blood vessel pathway, which consecutively reduces the risk for the increase of plaque that leads to coronary heart disease. Therefore, the risk of heart diseases reduces due to exercises.
(f) Blood volume increases : The blood volume increases due to regular exercise. Actually, as the blood volume enhances, there is an increases in plasma volume. Additionally, during heavy exercise, in order to keep the muscle supplied with oxygen, the body produces a greater number of red blood cells.
