Heart Basics
The heart works as one pump but also as two pumps. Name the two circuits.
Pulmonary & Systemic
Blood flows from areas of ______ pressure to areas of ______ pressure.
High → Low
What happens to heart rate during exercise?
Increases
The most abundant blood cells that carry oxygen.
Red blood cells
This condition involves high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
hypertension
Which ventricle pumps blood to the lungs?
Right ventricle
What is the formula for cardiac output?
CO = HR × SV
Name one long-term adaptation of arteries to training.
Increased elasticity
These cells defend the body against infection.
White blood cells
Plaque buildup in arteries that reduces blood flow is called what?
atherosclerosis
What is the job of the atria?
Fill ventricles
Name the three main types of blood vessels.
Arteries, Veins, Capillaries
What is capillarization and why is it important?
Formation of dense capillary networks
These fragments help with clotting.
Platelets
The heart’s inability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs is known as what?
heart failure
Which side of the heart has the thicker ventricle?
Left ventricle
What is the normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult?
~120/80 mmHg
Why do endurance athletes often train at high altitudes?
Stimulates RBC production
Plasma makes up about what percentage of blood volume?
~55%
What is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes?
undiagnosed cardiac conditions (e.g., arrhythmias, structural defects)
Define systole and diastole.
Systole = contraction, Diastole = relaxation
Which Korotkoff (heart) sound indicates systolic pressure?
First Korotkoff sound
What is the effect of dehydration on blood volume and heart strain?
Lowers blood volume, increases strain
What protein in red blood cells binds oxygen?
Hemoglobin
Name one physiological adaptation of the heart that occurs with endurance training and explain why it’s beneficial
Increased left ventricular size (athlete’s heart) → greater stroke volume and lower resting HR