On ETS and Heart Rate

From Corposcindosis

It has been suggested by a few surgeons that the reduction in heart rate associated with ETS is equivalent to the reduction in heart rate associated with good cardio-vascular conditioning. This is not correct, it is a non-sequitur. It is putting the cart before the horse, it is the tail wagging the dog.

The reason for the low resting heart rate experienced by conditioned athletes is as follows: At rest, muscles and other body structures present an oxygen demand. This oxygen demand is met by the heart pumping a certain amount of blood in a given time. When well-conditioned, the heart muscles become strong and efficient, and can pump more blood in a single stroke. So, the same oxygen demand can be met with fewer strokes in a given amount of time, that is a lowered heart rate. It does not follow that anything which lowers the heart rate is equivalent to good conditioning. Certain drugs for instance, such as opiates, will lower the heart rate. It is absurd to say that the use of opiates is the same as being in good cardio-vascular shape. Instead, the lowered heart rate associated with cardiac denervation may simply deliver less oxygen than is demanded, causing muscles to fatigue early.