LAB TEN
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
OVERVIEW
1. In Exercise 10A you will learn how to measure blood pressure.
2. In Exercise 10B you will: a) measure pulse rate under different conditions; b) measure aerobic capacity;
c) measure: body fat composition, body mass index, and back flexibility.
3. In Exercise 10C you will predict your life expectancy using life information you provide on the “Longevity
Game” website.
OBJECTIVES
Before doing this lab you should understand:
• the basic anatomy of the human cardiovascular system
After doing this lab you should be able to:
• measure heart rate and blood pressure in a human volunteer;
• describe the effect of changing body position on heart rate and
blood pressure;
• explain how exercise changes heart rate;
• determine a human’s fitness index;
• analyze cardiovascular data;
• analyze body fat composition
INTRODUCTION
The cardiovascular (circulatory) system functions to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues for
growth and metabolism, and to remove metabolic wastes. The heart pumps blood through a circuit that
includes arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venues, and veins. One important circuit is the pulmonary circuit, where
there is an exchange of gases within the alveoli of the lungs. The right side of the human heart receives
deoxygenated blood from body tissues and pumps it to the lungs. The left side of the heart receives oxygenated
blood from the lungs and pumps it to the tissues.
Your total weight is a combination of bone, ligament, tendon, organs, fluids, muscle and fat.
When you gain or lose weight due to either optimal fitness programs or not taking care of yourself, then both
your overall weight will probably change, as well as the ratio of these components to one another. Exercise
scientists have coined the term “body composition” to define the relationship between all the lean tissue in the
body and fat. One of the most difficult yet importantly concepts that will help you on your wellness and fitness
journey is that it is not what you weigh, but is the relationship of lean mass to fat mass.
From the impact on your health, excess fat, or having a higher than desirable ratio of fat to
muscle, has demonstrated a negative effect on your health. According to current estimates, at least 40-45% of
the population is significantly overweight. Some estimates have the American public at 30% obese, or a body fat
percentage of 20% over desired weight for men and 30% for women. This is one of the single risk factors for
coronary heart disease, the number on killer in the United States.
How long can you expect to live? Two websites, “RealAge” and “The Longevity Game!” will tell
you how quickly you are aging and give you a peek into your future by identifying the factors that will lead to a
healthier, more productive life. Although no one can actually predict your life expectancy, these websites utilize
the most current information from life insurance agencies, public health organizations, and scientific studies to
tell you how quickly you are aging and gives you sample recommendations on steps to live life at its fullest.
Remember, aging is not about living longer, but living better.
-1-
EXERCISE 10A: Measuring Blood Pressure
Note: these labs are ONLY for experimental, and not diagnostic purposes.
Blood Pressure
An important measurable aspect of the cardiovascular system is blood pressure. When the ventricles of the
heart contract, pressure is increased throughout all the arteries. Arterial blood pressure is directly
dependent on the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute and the resistance to blood flow through
the arterioles. The arterial blood pressure is determined using a device known as a sphygmomanometer.
This device consists of an inflatable cuff connected by rubber hoses to a pressure gauge graduated in
millimeters of mercury. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to a pressure that will shut
off the brachial artery.
Procedure
Putting On The Cuff
1. Work in pairs. Those who are to have their
blood pressure measured should be seated with
shirt sleeves rolled up.
2. Locate the brachial artery on the inside of the
upper arm about 3 cm above the elbow. The
pulse can be felt by lightly pressing your finger
on the area above this artery.
4. Insert your arm in the armband and position
the microphone mark on the armband over the
brachial artery. Fasten.
5. Rest the arm comfortably on a table with the
measuring point of the brachial artery on the
same level as your heart.
Operation
1. Place the unit with the scale facing you.
2. Tighten the air valve of the rubber bulb and
inflate the armband by pumping the bulb.
3. Continue inflating the armband until the
gauge indicates 200 mmHg blood pressure
(about 30-50 mmHg above normal maximum
blood pressure).
4. Allow the armband to deflate until the gauge
stops. Read the gauge at this point. This reading
is the systolic (contraction) blood pressure
(record value in data table) and the diastolic
(relaxation)blood pressure (record value in data table.)
10. Turn the apparatus “OFF”.
-2-
Table 10.1: Typical Blood Pressure for Males and Females at Different Ages
Systolic
Age (in years)
Male
Female
Diastolic
Male
Female
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
103
104
106
108
110
112
118
121
120
122
123
125
126
127
129
130
135
138
142
143
145
103
104
106
108
110
112
116
116
116
115
116
117
120
124
127
131
137
139
144
154
159
69
70
71
72
73
75
73
74
74
75
76
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
83
82
-3-
70
71
72
73
74
76
72
72
72
71
72
74
75
78
80
82
84
84
85
85
85
EXERCISE 10B: A Test of Fitness
The point scores on the following tests provide an evaluation of fitness based not only on cardiac muscular
development but also on the ability of the cardiovascular system to respond to sudden changes on demand.
Test 1: Standing Systolic Compared with Seated Systolic
1. You have recorded blood pressure for a seated individual. After 5 minutes, have the subject stand and
immediately repeat the blood pressure measurement. Record the values on the data sheet.
2. Determine the change in systolic pressure from sitting to standing by subtracting the standing
measurement from the seated measurement. Assign fitness points based on the table below and record in the
fitness data box on the data sheet.
Change (mmHg)
Rise of 8 or more
Rise of 2-7
No rise
Fall of 2-5
Fall of 6 or more
Fitness Points
3
2
1
0
-1
Test 2: Standing Pulse Rate
1. The subject should stand at ease for 2 minutes after Test 1.
2. After 2 minutes, determine the subject’s pulse.
3. Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. The pulse rate is the number of beats per
minute. Record them in the fitness data box. Assign fitness points based on the table below and record them
in the fitness data box.
Pulse Rate (beats/min)
Fitness Points
60-70
3
71-80
3
81-90
2
91-100
1
101-110
1
111-120
0
121-130
0
131-140
-1
Test 3: Reclining Pulse Rate
1. The subject should recline for 5 minutes on the ground.
2. Determine the subject’s resting pulse rate.
3. Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. (Note: the subject should remain reclining
for the next test.)The pulse rate is the number of beats per minute. Record them in the fitness data box.
Assign fitness points based on the table below and record them in the fitness data box.
Pulse Rate (beats/min)
50-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
101-110
Fitness Points
3
3
2
1
0
-1
-4-
Test 4: Baroreceptor Reflex (Pulse Rate Increase from Reclining to Standing)
1. The reclining subject should now stand up.
2. Immediately take the subject’s pulse by counting the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiplying by
two. Record in the fitness data box. The observed increase in pulse rate is initiated by pressure receptors
(baroreceptors) in the carotid artery and in the aortic arch. When baroreceptors detect a drop in blood
pressure they signal the medulla of the brain to increase heartbeat and, consequently, the pulse rate.
3. Subtract the reclining pulse rate (recorded from Test 3) from the pulse rate immediately upon standing
(recorded in Test 4) to determine the pulse rate increase upon standing. Record in the fitness data box.
Assign fitness points based on the table below and record them in the fitness data box.
Reclining Pulse (beats/min)
Pulse Rate Increase on Standing (# beats)
50-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
101-110
0-10
3
3
3
2
1
0
11-18
3
2
2
1
0
-1
19-26
2
1
0
-1
-2
-3
27-34
1
0
-1
-2
-3
-3
35-43
0
-1
-2
-3
-3
-3
Test 5: Step Test --- Endurance
1. The subject should do the following: Place your right foot on an 18 inch high step. Raise your body so
that your left foot comes to rest by your right foot. Return your left foot to the original position. Repeat this
exercise for 2 minutes, allowing 3 seconds for each step up.
2. Immediately after completion of this exercise, measure the subject’s pulse for 15 seconds and record
below; measure again for 15 seconds and record; continue taking the subjects pulse and recording the rates
at 60, 90, and 120 seconds.
Number of beats in the 0 - 15 second interval _____ X 4 = _____ beats per minute
Number of beats in the 16 - 30 second interval _____ X 4 = _____ beats per minute
Number of beats in the 31 - 60 second interval _____ X 2 = _____ beats per minute
Number of beats in the 61 - 90 second interval _____ X 2 = _____ beats per minute
Number of beats in the 91 -120 second interval _____ X 2 = _____ beats per minute
3. Observe the time it takes for the subject’s pulse rate to return to approximately the level that was recorded
in Test 2. Assign fitness points based on the table below and record them in the fitness data box.
Time (seconds)
0-30
31-60
61-90
91-120
121+
1-10 beats above standing rate
11-30 beats above standing rate
Fitness Points
4
3
2
1
1
0
-1
-5-
4. Subtract the subject’s normal standing pulse rate (recorded in Test 2) from his/her pulse rate immediately
after exercise ( the 0-15 second interval ) to obtain pulse rate increase. Record in the fitness data box.
Assign fitness points based on the table below and record them in the fitness data box.
Standing Pulse (beats/min)
60-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
101-110
111-120
121-130
131-140
Pulse Rate Increase Immediately after Exercise (# beats)
0-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41+
3
3
3
2
1
3
2
2
1
2
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
-1
-1
-2
-3
1
0
-1
-2
-3
-2
-3
-3
0
-1
-2
-3
-3
-3
-3
-3
-3
-3
-3
Test 6: Body Fat Analysis and Body Mass Index Calculation
1. Push the ON/OFF button. Wait until the display reads “0”.
2. Wipe the scale down with the alcohol wipes, then stand on the scale until you get a body fat reading.
3. Wipe the scale down with the alcohol wipes when finished.
4. Go to the BMI calculator at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi, and input your height and weight. Record
your BMI.
Recommended Body Fat Ranges
Male 15-20 years of age
Fitness Points
Low
5-7
2
Female 15-20 years of age 5-20
Fitness Points
2
Recommended
8-20
3
High
21-25
-1
Very High
>25
-3
21-33
34-38
>38
3
-1
-3
-6-
Recommended Body Mass Index
BMI Percentage
Designation by the World Heath Organization
Less than 18.5
18.5 to 25.0
25.0 to 30.0
30.0 or more
LOW (low)
NORMAL (Normal)
HIGH (Pre-obese)
VERY HIGH (Obese)
Fitness Points
2
3
-1
-3
Test 7: Lower Back and Hamstring Flexibility
1. Look for one of the testing areas throughout the room (marked by tape crossed perpendicularly with a
meter stick).
2. Remove shoes and sit on floor with measuring line between legs
and soles of feet placed immediately behind baseline, heels
8-12 inches apart. Clasp thumbs so that hands are together, palms
down and place them on measuring line. With the legs held flat
by a partner, student slowly reaches forward as far as possible,
keeping fingers on baseline (15”) and feet flexed. After 3 practice tries,
the student holds the fourth reach for 3 seconds while that distance
is recorded. (Note: legs must remain straight with soles of feet
held perpendicular to the floor).
3. Scores are read as inches beyond baseline. Record in the fitness data box. Assign fitness points based on
the table below and record them in the fitness data box.
Measurement (inches)
24 & more
21-23
19-20
17-18
15-16
13-14
12 and less
Fitness Points
3
2
1
0
-1
-2
-3
EXERCISE 10C: Life Expectancy
-7-
To calculate your “life expectancy”, go to the following website:
http://www.northwesternmutual.com/learning-center/the-longevity-game.aspx
a. At the conclusion of the ‘Longevity Game’, write down your longevity _____
b. Print out the “Longevity Game” window and attach to your lab report.
Topics for Discussion
Word process a 2-3 page conclusion to this lab describing how the results and the data
collected have and/or will influence you and your fitness decisions. Please make sure to include appropriate
data where warranted.
-8-
DATA SHEET
Blood pressure data
MEASUREMENT
Systolic when seated
Diastolic when seated
_____ mmHg
_____ mm Hg
Systolic when standing
Diastolic when standing
_____ mmHg
_____mmHg
Fitness data
TEST
MEASUREMENT
FITNESS POINTS
Test 1. Change in systolic pressure
from sitting to standing
_____ mmHg
________
Test 2. Standing pulse rate
_____ beats/min
________
Test 3. Reclining pulse rate
_____ beats/min
________
Test 4. Baroreceptor reflex (pulse rate
increase from reclining to standing)
_____ beats/min
________
Test 5. Step test - Endurance
Return of pulse to standing rate
_____ seconds
________
_____ beats/min
________
Test 6. Body Fat Analysis
_____ %
________
Body Mass Index
_____ %
________
_____ inches
________
Pulse rate increase after exercise
Test 7. Body Flexibility
TOTAL SCORE
Total Score
27-26
25-23
22-17
16 or less
________
Relative Cardiac Fitness
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
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