What are short-term effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system?

The short-term effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system are characterized by an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. During physical activity, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients rises, leading the heart to pump more vigorously. This results in an increased heart rate, which allows for quicker transportation of oxygenated blood to the working muscles.

Additionally, as a direct response to exercise, blood pressure rises to ensure that blood is circulated more rapidly throughout the body. This increased pressure helps to meet the growing physiological needs during exercise, facilitating enhanced performance and endurance.

In contrast, other options detail effects that do not align with typical cardiovascular responses to exercise. For instance, a decreased heart rate and blood flow or a reduction in oxygen consumption would not occur during exercise; rather, these are associated with rest or inactivity. Similarly, a lowered stroke volume would contradict normal physiological responses since stroke volume typically increases during exercise to pump more blood with each heartbeat, accommodating the higher metabolic demands of the body. Therefore, the option indicating an increase in heart rate and elevated blood pressure accurately reflects the immediate cardiovascular changes that occur during physical activity.