What is cardiovascular drift?

Cardiovascular drift refers to the gradual increase in heart rate that occurs during prolonged steady-state exercise, primarily in hot or humid conditions, despite a potentially stable workload. This phenomenon is often accompanied by a decrease in stroke volume.

The correct answer highlights that cardiovascular drift involves the redistribution of blood plasma from the intravascular space into peripheral tissues. During prolonged exercise, factors such as dehydration and increased blood flow to the skin for thermoregulation can lead to a decrease in venous return, which impacts stroke volume. As the stroke volume decreases, the heart compensates by increasing heart rate to maintain cardiac output.

This physiological response is essential because it helps to regulate body temperature and maintain performance during extended exercise durations, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. Understanding cardiovascular drift is crucial for exercise physiologists, as it aids in developing tailored training and hydration strategies for athletes and individuals engaging in prolonged physical activity.