Which of the following is a result of improvements in cardiovascular fitness?

• A. Decreased lung capacity
• B. Reduced risk of coronary heart disease
• C. Increased risk of stroke
• D. Lower metabolic rate

Answer: (B)

Improvements in cardiovascular fitness make the heart more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the risk of heart disease. When the heart works better, it can deliver oxygen-rich blood to muscles more easily, often with a lower resting heart rate and better blood pressure. Over time, healthier blood vessels and better lipid and glucose handling reduce the chances of arteries becoming blocked, so coronary heart disease risk drops.

The other options don’t fit this pattern. Decreased lung capacity isn’t a typical outcome of better cardiovascular fitness, since lung size isn’t the main limiter and fitness improvements focus more on how well oxygen is used. Increased risk of stroke runs counter to the protective effects of regular aerobic activity, which helps prevent strokes by improving blood flow and vessel health. A lower metabolic rate isn’t a typical result either; regular activity can maintain or even slightly raise daily energy expenditure, not reduce it.