Hi, can someone help me with these questions?

Why is it that athletes have to exercise harder/longer to get max heart rate than people that aren't physically fit?

Why does smoking cause rise in blood pressure? (Does it have to do with less oxygen getting throughout the body??)

And Why is high blood pressure dangerous ?

Thank you in advance!

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1. Athletes have a lower maxium heart rate. A stronger heart pumps more b lood with each beat, so stronger hearts don't have to beat as often.

2. Both blood pressure and heart rate increase during smoking. These effects are associated specifically with nicotine. There is an increase in cardiac output and in total peripheral vascular resistance.

3. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, fluid making it difficult to catch a breath, and ren al failure.

why do we mesure our blood pressure in Hg

Hey there! I'd be happy to help you with your questions. Let's break them down one by one:

1. Why is it that athletes have to exercise harder/longer to reach their maximum heart rate compared to individuals who aren't physically fit?

To answer this question, we need to understand what maximum heart rate (MHR) is. MHR is the highest number of times your heart can beat per minute during intense physical activity.

Athletes who are physically fit have stronger hearts due to regular exercise. Their heart muscles are more efficient at pumping blood, allowing them to achieve a higher MHR. On the other hand, individuals who aren't physically fit may have weaker hearts that require less effort to reach their MHR.

Therefore, athletes need to exercise harder or for a longer duration to increase their heart rate to the level required to reach their MHR, while individuals who aren't as physically fit can achieve it at a lower level of exertion.

2. Why does smoking cause a rise in blood pressure?

Smoking is linked to a rise in blood pressure due to several factors. Firstly, the nicotine found in tobacco products causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to increased resistance to blood flow. When blood vessels constrict, less blood can flow through them, which raises blood pressure.

Secondly, smoking affects the lining of blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage. The damaged blood vessels become less elastic, making it harder for them to relax and dilate. Reduced blood vessel elasticity further contributes to increased blood pressure.

Lastly, smoking affects the levels of oxygen in the blood. When you smoke, carbon monoxide (a harmful gas) is inhaled, which displaces oxygen from red blood cells. This decreases the amount of oxygen available to the body's tissues and organs, and as a result, the heart pumps harder to compensate for the oxygen deprivation. Increased heart rate and cardiac output lead to raised blood pressure.

3. Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is dangerous because it puts extra strain on your heart, blood vessels, and other organs. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can lead to a variety of health issues, including:

- Increased risk of heart disease: High blood pressure can damage your arteries, which can lead to the formation of fatty plaques. These plaques can cause narrowing and blockages in your blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

- Kidney damage: Persistent high blood pressure can impair the kidneys' ability to function properly, leading to kidney disease or even kidney failure.

- Vision problems: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing vision problems or even blindness.

- Risk of aneurysm: High blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of developing an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

- Impact on brain function: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can contribute to cognitive decline, memory problems, and an increased risk of developing dementia.

It is crucial to manage and control high blood pressure through lifestyle modifications, medications, and regular monitoring to minimize the associated health risks.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your health, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.