If an athlete is a regular smoker explain how will it affect both his pulseand his breathing rate during exercise?

Regular smoking can significantly impair an athlete's cardiovascular and respiratory functions. During exercise, a smoker may experience an elevated pulse rate due to increased strain on the heart, as it works harder to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Additionally, smoking damages lung tissue and reduces lung capacity, which can lead to a decreased breathing rate and efficiency, resulting in quicker fatigue and reduced overall performance. Consequently, the athlete may struggle to maintain optimal oxygen levels during physical activity.