During exercise, a redistribution of blood flow occurs. At rest, about 15 percent of blood is given to the skeletal muscles, but during exercise, this can increase up to 80 percent to 85 percent. The sympathetic nervous system influences your...
Exercise causes your heart to beat faster. This elevated heart rate provides your muscles with the additional oxygen and other nutrients they need to function properly. Training your heart through exercise improves your cardiovascular function and...
Strong arm and leg muscles are important in almost every aspect of your life, from playing on the sports field to simply preparing dinner for your family. Strength is also vital to the most important muscle in your body --- your heart. In fact,...
Almost one-third of American adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is major risk factor of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Prescription medications to...
L-arginine and L-citrulline are amino acids. Citrulline is a precursor to the synthesis of arginine. According to Mayo Clinic, the body changes arginine into nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels dilate, thus reducing blood pressure. By taking...
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," shock is defined as multisystem organ hypoperfusion. Blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues are impeded. Shock may be due to trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction,...
Although the relationship between alcohol and hypertension had long been suspected, it was not until 1987 when a meta-study published in the journal "Hypertension" unequivocally established that alcohol was independently linked to hypertension....
Orthostatic hypertension is a condition that describes increased blood pressure upon standing or assuming an upright position. While the exact cause of the condition isn't known, it is known to affect the parasympathetic nervous system and the...
Michael Jordan played in the NBA into his late 30s, a feat that he attributes to a rigorous stretching routine. Stretching will not only prepare your muscles for exercise, it aids in healing, blood flow to tissue, and even affects the function of...
Alcohol is one of the most damaging substances to the human body. Chronic alcohol consumption is a factor in many chronic disease conditions. It may take years before the consequences of excessive drinking become evident, but continuing to drink...
Changing position from sitting to standing normally causes a slight drop in systolic blood pressure that is quickly remedied through a series of minute cardiovascular adjustments. In 5 percent of the population, however, moving to a standing...
Millions of Americans suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease, and many are told that restricting caffeine intake is important in maintaining lower blood pressures. Unfortunately, caffeine is a popular ingredient in many common products...
Enjoying a cup or two of coffee each morning may be part of your routine. You may also have a cup in the afternoon for a quick pick-me-up. Consuming too much caffeine may have adverse effects on your health. Limit your caffeine intake throughout...
Almost twice as many women die from heart disease in the United States as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer, according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension, high cholesterol and high serum triglycerides are risk factors...
The relationship between caffeine, diabetes and weight loss is complex. While caffeine may have beneficial effects on fat use inside the body that lead to weight loss, it may not always be suitable for diabetics. Caffeine interferes with the way...
If used properly, heart rate monitors can be a valuable addition to your exercise program. With them, you can monitor how fast your heart beats, how many calories you have burned and your total exercise time over the course of several weeks. These...
Participating in both aerobic and resistance training on a regular basis benefits overall health and fitness. Each type of exercise has its own advantages and provides different conditioning results, but both are necessary for optimum physical...
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of medications used to treat depression. It works by suppressing the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme found in the body that breaks down the monoamines (tyramine) found in foods. In...
Stress is considered to be a normal part of the modern world, and caffeine-containing beverages are consumed by many people. But when a person who is stressed also ingests caffeine, the combination can lead to some potentially undesirable health...
Alcoholism is characterized by physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Dependency may develop from long-term abuse, and increasing amounts are needed to reach the desired effect. Constant exposure to alcohol alters the sensitivity of...
Just because they're "natural" doesn't mean herbal supplements don't have side effects. You still need to do your homework, or, better still, consult with an expert before using a natural remedy. Know the potential side effects and how the...
Nitric oxide is an important substance for your cardiovascular and sexual health. Nitric oxide is a gas that relaxes and widens your blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow. Increasing production of nitric oxide protects...
Hypovolemia is a potentially fatal condition and is always considered a medical emergency. Treating the underlying reason for the hypovolemia, as well as keeping the patient stable provides the best outcome. Generally speaking, treatment consists...
Your vestibular system helps you stand upright, maintain balance and move through space. This system also coordinates information from your inner ear, visual, tactile and musculoskeletal system. This system helps regulate your heart rate, muscle...