Why does heart rate increase in high humidity and temperature?

Question

I done an experiment, the results showed higher heart rate when exercise was done in higher humidity and temperature.

(I have also noticed an increase in volume of oxygen and carbon dioxide expired).

I know blood is pumped to the body's surface to remove heat via sweating and humidity prevents evaporation of this sweat; therefore, my theory of increased heart rate is due to the rest of the body needing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

But can someone please confirm that my theory is correct or not, preferably with referencing.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The body's fat stores are designed to insulate it during winter, so it stands to reason the metabolism is accelerated when temperature is increased to get rid of those fat cells, hence the increase in heart rate, and oxygen intake.  Do not forget that oxygen is flamable; it is used by the body's cells at a microscopic level to literally burn fat for energy much in the same way a car burns gas to propel itself.

Ultimately though, metabolic rate is not about speed, but efficiency.  The "e" word is important to all things regarding the human body, ultimately.

hope that helped.

Answer 2

Yes you are correct.

Answer 3

Your thoery of humidity resulting to a higher increased heart rate in exercise is correct. In hot temparatures, one can assume the air is humid, thus less oxeygen is present in the air. This is mainly while people doing sports find it harder to do that sport when it's hot. This means your heart wil have to work harder to pump blood around the body. Also, when it's hot you will tend to sweat. This sweat requires the body to do extra work.

So in conclusion, heat causes less percentage of oxeygen in the air. This makes your body work harder, and your ody will overheat. This means to cool it down, your body must produce sweat.

Answer 4

You are correct. I also think that in hot and humid air, there's less oxygen, so your heart will have to work harder to supply enough oxigen to the muscles.