ABSTRACT
The primary mechanisms for an increase in heart rate with exercise are related to neural and hormonal control. At the onset of exercise the parasympathetic neural activity is reduced and this alone will result in an increase in heart rate. Subsequently, sympathetic neural drive is increased and this will also increase heart rate. Adrenaline will also cause the heart rate to rise. One of the primary variables associated with peripheral blood flow is that of blood pressure. Blood pressure provides the driving force for flow via pressure gradients. Arterial blood pressure is commonly measured and is generally reported as its two constituent components; systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Exercise intensity can vary from very low intensities, through maximal aerobic exercise and up to supramaximal exercise intensities. A key component of aging is that maximal heart rate is age-dependent and thus we see a reduction in heart rate reserve with aging that will limit maximal cardiac output and performance capacity.
