Heart & Blood circulation after exercise

 

The heart and blood circulation are two of the most crucial components of the human body. They work together to ensure that the body is supplied with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. When we exercise, the heart and blood circulation system are put under pressure to work harder and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles. In this article, we will explore the effects of exercise on the heart and blood circulation system and how they adapt to the demands of exercise.

 

The heart is the primary organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It consists of four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. The atria are the upper chambers, and the ventricles are the lower chambers. Blood is received from the body in the right atrium and pumped to the lungs for oxygenation in the right ventricle. Oxygen-rich blood is then returned to the left atrium and pumped out to the body in the left ventricle.

 

During exercise, the heart rate increases to supply the working muscles with more oxygen and nutrients. The heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute and is influenced by several factors, such as age, sex, fitness level, and exercise intensity. The heart rate can be measured by taking the pulse on the wrist, neck, or chest. The recommended heart rate during exercise is 50% to 85% of the maximum heart rate, which is calculated by subtracting the age from 220 beats per minute.

 

The increase in heart rate during exercise is due to the sympathetic nervous system's activation, which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and harder, increasing blood flow to the working muscles. The blood vessels also constrict to redirect blood flow to the muscles, which increases blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

 

In addition to the heart rate and blood pressure, the blood circulation system undergoes several adaptations during exercise. The blood vessels expand, allowing more blood to flow through them and increasing oxygen delivery to the muscles. This process is known as vasodilation and is controlled by the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. Vasodilation is essential in maintaining blood pressure during exercise and preventing damage to the blood vessels.

 

Exercise also increases the number and size of capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. Capillaries are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and removing waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. The increased number and size of capillaries enhance the exchange of oxygen and nutrients, leading to improved exercise performance.

 

Furthermore, exercise stimulates the production of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is critical in repairing damaged blood vessels and restoring blood flow to injured tissues. It also plays a role in preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

 

In conclusion, exercise has a profound impact on the heart and blood circulation system. It increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and vasodilation to supply the working muscles with more oxygen and nutrients. The increase in capillaries and new blood vessel formation enhances the exchange of oxygen and nutrients, leading to improved exercise performance. The adaptations to the heart and blood circulation system due to exercise also have long-term benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, incorporating regular exercise into our daily routine is essential in maintaining a healthy heart and blood circulation system.