Which statement best describes how smoking tobacco could negatively affect physical performance?

• A. It Interferes With Balance and Coordination.
• B. It Decreases the Ability to Make Decisions Rapidly.
• C. It Decreases Stamina and Cardiovascular Efficiency.
• D. It Descreases the Speed and Power of Muscle Contractions.

Answer: (C)

Physical performance depends on how efficiently the body can deliver oxygen to working muscles. Smoking tobacco harms both the lungs and the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. The smoke’s carbon monoxide binds to the oxygen-carrying parts of blood, so less oxygen gets to muscles. With less oxygen available, muscles tire more quickly, reducing endurance. Smoking also irritates and damages lung tissue, lowering lung capacity and making it harder to breathe during exercise, which further lowers stamina. Additionally, nicotine and other chemicals can raise heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart work harder for the same activity and reducing overall cardiovascular efficiency. Because endurance and the heart–lung system are what most limit physical performance, the statement about decreased stamina and cardiovascular efficiency best describes smoking’s negative impact.