Support responses of the cardiovascular system to exercise. Part I

Exercise can be sustained only if there is increased blood flow to those tissues with increased metabolic needs. Blood flow to particular working muscles can be increased either by increasing cardiac output or by redirecting peripheral blood flow. The nature and extent of changes in cardiovascular function that occur during exercise are dependent on the type of exercise, the muscles involved, and the severity of the exercise stress. The normal range of changes in heart rate, stroke volume, and patterns of peripheral blood flow are discussed in relation to different types of exercise stress.