What physiological characteristic is typically seen in outstanding athletes?

Outstanding athletes typically exhibit a high stroke volume as a significant physiological characteristic. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat. In well-trained athletes, particularly those engaged in endurance sports, their hearts become more efficient due to adaptations from consistent training. This leads to a larger left ventricle, allowing it to pump a greater volume of blood per heartbeat.

The ability to deliver more oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles is crucial during prolonged physical activity, which contributes to enhanced endurance and performance. A high stroke volume helps to maintain a lower resting heart rate because the heart can effectively circulate blood with fewer beats, indicating cardiovascular efficiency.

Athletes do not typically present with high blood pressure or low stroke volume, as these conditions are generally associated with poorer cardiovascular health. A high resting heart rate, conversely, can indicate lower fitness levels. Therefore, high stroke volume is a hallmark of athletic training and performance, highlighting the heart's ability to function optimally under physical stress.