Blood Pressure

Question 1

The lateral pressure exerted by flowing blood on the walls of arteries

Answer 1

Blood Pressure

Question 2

How is Blood pressure determined?

Answer 2

• Force with which heart pumps the blood
• Resistance offered by the vessels
• BP= cardiac output X Peripheral Resistance

Question 3

Short term control of blood pressure is mediated by the:

Answer 3

I. Nervous System- Sympathetic and parasympathetic
II. Chemicals- Sensitive to changes in pH, O2 and CO2 levels

Question 4

Cluster of sympathetic neurons found in the medulla, sends efferent motor fibers that innervate smooth muscle of blood vessels

Answer 4

Vasomotor Center

Question 5

• Impulses sent from accelerator center in medulla travel along sympathetic fibers
• Primary neurotransmitter: norepinephrine and epinephrine

Answer 5

Sympathetic Stimulation

Question 6

Affect heart rate

Answer 6

Chronotropic

Question 7

Enhances conduction velocity

Answer 7

Dromotropic

Question 8

Enhances strength of contraction

Answer 8

Inotropic

Question 9

• Main effect = slowing heart rate
• Primary neurotransmitter: acetylcholine

Answer 9

parasympathetic Stimulation

Question 10

Where are Baroreceptors found?

Answer 10

1. Carotid sinus (body)
2. Aortic sinus (body)

Question 11

Detect stretch changes in blood pressure and cause a reflex response in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system

Answer 11

Baroreceptors

Question 12

Baroreceptor reflex if Systolic BP decreases

Answer 12

• Peripheral vasoconstriction
• Increased heart rate (Chronotropic)
• Increased myocardial contractility (Inotropic)
• Increased electrical conduction (dromotropic)

Question 13

Baroreceptor reflex if Systolic BP Increases

Answer 13

• Peripheral vasodilation
• Decreased heart rate (Chronotropic)
• Decreased Myocardial contractility (Inotropic)
• Decreased electrical conduction (Dromotropic)

Question 14

Arterial Blood Pressures for Systolic BP, Diastolic BP, Pulse pressure

Answer 14

Systolic BP: 110-130 mmHg
Diastolic BP: 60-80 mmHg
Pulse Pressure: 40 mmHg

Question 15

What is the white coat effect?

Answer 15

Considerable rise of BP as a mere consequence
of being around medical personnel

Question 16

Form of low BP that happens when standing or sitting up quickly after laying down

Answer 16

Orthostatic Hypotension

Question 17

Factors contributing to Orthostatic hypotension

Answer 17

• Simple gravity
• Medications
• Dehydration
• Cardia, neuro, endocrine problems (ex. bradycardia, Parkinson’s syndrome)

Question 18

Pulse Pressure Equation

Answer 18

(Systolic BP) - (Diastolic BP)
Average = 40-60 mmHg

Question 19

Causes of Wide Pulse Pressure (>60 mmHg)

Answer 19

Arterial stiffness, valve insufficiency, severe iron deficiency anemia or hypothyroidism

Question 20

What can a Low/Narrow Pulse Pressure indicate? (<40 mmHg)

Answer 20

The heart is not pumping as much blood as it should

Question 21

Sound of blood pulsing

Answer 21

Korotkoff Sound

Question 22

A gap present after initial korotkoff sound

Answer 22

Auscultatory Gap

Question 23

How do you avoid an auscultatory gap?

Answer 23

Pump the BP cuff 30mmHg beyond palpable systolic pressure