General Biology I - Human Perspectives - Essay Example

The heart rate was minimum (51) at rest under normal conditions but found maximum (71) after drinking caffeine in the shape of coffee. Exercise for a minute did not significantly change heart rate as compare to working in the office as hypothesised. This indicated that working in the office also needed extra energy comparable with short exercise. Heart rate after eating and digesting food was similar to exercise for one minute. This is why cardiologists advise heart patients to avoid exercise or walk for at least two hours after taking meals.

Drinking coffee increases heart rate but the recent research indicated that it is beneficial for heart diseases in moderate quantity in elderly people ( James et el, 2007). Coffee has oxidative properties which keep the LDL cholesterol level under low levels and chances of getting cardiovascular disease are minimal. Heart beats per minute were expected to be equal to or lower than resting time but in my case it was higher. The probable cause for this change may be dreams immediately before wake up which resulted in elevated heart rate. 3. Trained athletes have resting pulse rate at 40-60 as their metabolism has adjusted to exercise.

Therefore exercise is recommended for proper body functioning and keeping healthy heart. My resting pulse rate is also low because I exercise regularly. It means my heart need to work less as compare to persons whose heart rate at resting is 70-72 beats per minute. 4. I calculated my BMI using standard BMI calculator given by National Institute of Health. My height is 5’ 5” and weight 152 pounds. The BMI come to 25.3 which are on the higher side of the normal range (18.5 – 24.9) of NIH standards.

My BMI does surprise me because I have kept my body weight within limit. I take care of my food and exercise regularly. Therefore, my heart rate is lower and it is expected that I have low risk of mortality due to heart problems. 5. People who have criticized BMI have