Analyse how THREE different factors that impact the cardiovascular system affect an endurance athlete's performance. (8 marks)
--- 24 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer
Overview Statement
- Three key factors impact cardiovascular efficiency in endurance athletes: altitude, haemoglobin levels, and vascular disease.
- Each factor influences oxygen delivery to working muscles differently.
- Performance outcomes depend on the interaction between these factors.
Altitude and Cardiovascular Adaptation
- Altitude exposure reduces atmospheric oxygen pressure, triggering physiological adaptations.
- The body responds by increasing red blood cell and haemoglobin production.
- Gradual acclimatisation enhances oxygen-carrying capacity over several weeks.
- Such adaptations benefit endurance athletes when returning to sea level.
Haemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Transport
- Haemoglobin directly determines the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Higher levels enable greater oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise.
- Iron deficiency reduces haemoglobin production, limiting endurance capacity.
- Optimal haemoglobin levels therefore support sustained aerobic performance.
Vascular Disease Impact
- Atherosclerosis progressively narrows arteries through plaque buildup, restricting blood flow.
- Reduced arterial diameter limits oxygen delivery regardless of haemoglobin levels.
- Even mild narrowing affects exercise capacity and cardiovascular efficiency.
- Vascular health consequently determines the effectiveness of other adaptations.
Implications and Synthesis
- All three factors interact to determine overall cardiovascular efficiency.
- Altitude training benefits may be negated by poor vascular health or low haemoglobin.
- Regular screening helps identify vascular issues early.
- Maintaining adequate iron intake ensures optimal haemoglobin production.
- An integrated approach maximises endurance performance potential.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Overview Statement
- Three key factors impact cardiovascular efficiency in endurance athletes: altitude, haemoglobin levels, and vascular disease.
- Each factor influences oxygen delivery to working muscles differently.
- Performance outcomes depend on the interaction between these factors.
Altitude and Cardiovascular Adaptation
- Altitude exposure reduces atmospheric oxygen pressure, triggering physiological adaptations.
- The body responds by increasing red blood cell and haemoglobin production.
- Gradual acclimatisation enhances oxygen-carrying capacity over several weeks.
- Such adaptations benefit endurance athletes when returning to sea level.
Haemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Transport
- Haemoglobin directly determines the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Higher levels enable greater oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise.
- Iron deficiency reduces haemoglobin production, limiting endurance capacity.
- Optimal haemoglobin levels therefore support sustained aerobic performance.
Vascular Disease Impact
- Atherosclerosis progressively narrows arteries through plaque buildup, restricting blood flow.
- Reduced arterial diameter limits oxygen delivery regardless of haemoglobin levels.
- Even mild narrowing affects exercise capacity and cardiovascular efficiency.
- Vascular health consequently determines the effectiveness of other adaptations.
Implications and Synthesis
- All three factors interact to determine overall cardiovascular efficiency.
- Altitude training benefits may be negated by poor vascular health or low haemoglobin.
- Regular screening helps identify vascular issues early.
- Maintaining adequate iron intake ensures optimal haemoglobin production.
- An integrated approach maximises endurance performance potential.