Abstract
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Heat, mechanical tension and substrate
turnover are key elements of exercise that
drive important and wide-ranging health
benefits of regular exercise. Of these, heat
as an unaccompanied stressor is currently
receiving attention as apossible supplement,
or alternative to exercise for those who
cannot tolerate traditional exercise training.
During and following passive heating
the cardiovascular system is significantly
challenged; depending on the stimulus,
physiological responses include decreased
central venous and arterial pressure,
increased heart rate and sympathetic
activity, and redistribution of blood volume
to increase cutaneous blood flow. Many of
these responses simulate the cardiovascular
adjustments that occur during and after a
bout of exercise.