Question

During exercise, the amount of blood returning to the heart will increase. This is called 'increased venous return.' Increased blood returning to the heart will stretch the walls of the ventricles and typically increase both end diastolic volume (EDV) and stroke volume (SV). What effect would increased stroke volume have on cardiac output?

Answer 1

An increase in stroke volume results in a higher cardiac output, which is crucial for supplying tissues with more oxygen and nutrients during exercise, thereby helping to maintain proper blood flow and blood pressure regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increased stroke volume has a direct effect on cardiac output, as cardiac output is defined as the product of heart rate and stroke volume. An increase in stroke volume during exercise, due to increased venous return stretching the ventricular walls, leads to a greater volume of blood being pumped with each heartbeat. This in turn elevates the total cardiac output. With more blood flowing through the body, tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients, which are critical during periods of physical exertion. Consequently, this adaptation is vital for maintaining adequate blood flow and blood pressure regulation during increased physical activity.