Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 8

Why is it important to monitor heart rate frequently during exercise in heat, in humidity, and at altitude?

Step 1 of 2

When a person exercises in heat or humidity, the body needs more effort to regulate the temperature. Additional blood circulation needs to be maintained to enable the skin dissipate more heat. If heat does not dissipate properly from the body, continuing exercise leads to hyperthermia and heat shock.

At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases and this makes hemoglobin difficult to bind to oxygen. More blood must be pumped to the muscles to meet the oxygen demand of the metabolism.