Cardiovascular Physiology Flashcards
Calculating Flow - Equation
Flow = Pressure (PA-PV) / Resistance
Usual range for MAP
70 -110 mmHg
TPR = ?
TPR = MAP x CO
Factors which affect flow within vessels
- Vessel diameter - Vessel length - Fluid viscosity
Effects of changes in vessel radius (numerical)
19 % increase in vessel diameter doubles flow (vasodilation) 16 % decrease in vessel diameter halves flow (vasoconstriction)
Regulation of blood flow: Active Hyperaemia
Increased blood flow to local tissues in response to exercise/increase metabolic demand
Regulation of blood flow: Autoregulation
Regulation of local blood flow over a range of perfusion pressures. Independent of neuronal and endocrinal influence. Occurs in tissues such as the brain, heart and kidney.
Regulation of blood flow: Reactive hyperaemia
An increase in local blood flow that occurs following an occlusion in blood supply to the tissue. The occlusion leads to a build-up of respiratory by-products and vasodilatory chemicals. Hyperaemic response occurs when blood supply is restored.
Factors affecting arteriolar radius
- Local metabolic controls. Vasodilators: Increased CO2, potassium, adenosine. Decreased O2 and pH Autoregulation - Hormonal controls Constrictors: Epinephrine, angiotensin II, vasopressin Dilators: Epinephrine, Atrial Naturetic Peptide (ANP) - Neural controls: SNS
G-proteins for alpha (1 and 2) and beta receptors
Alpha 1: Gq Alpha 2: Gi Beta: Gs
Autoregulatory mediators of blood flow
- Sphincters - Metabolic status: K, H, lactic acid - Endothelial derived substances: Endothelin-1 (constrictor), prostacyclin (dilator) - Increased shearing forces: Increased strain on endothelial cells due to increased perfusion pressure leads to synthesis of NO by eNOS (NO synthase)
NO production
Local mediators prompt NO production. Calcium is released from the endoplasmic reticulum. eNOS is activated and produces NO. No diffuses into smooth muscle cells, a decrease in calcium influx is seen. Muscle contraction is inhibited.
ECG - Basis
- A graph: Voltage vs time - Measures the electrical activity created by action potentials - Lead II is the rhythm strip as it holds the closest value to the mean electrical activity of the heart
Milieu Interior
Homeostasis. Maintaining activity within physiological limits.
Components controlling the cardiovascular (CV) system
- Baroreceptors: Carotid sinus and aortic arch - Stretch receptors: In the atrium - Hormonal control
Hormonal control of the cardiovascular system
ANP (Atrial Natriuretic peptide): Is released in response to increased atrial stretch. Causes vasodilation, increased sodium and water release and decreases ADH release. Decreases MAP
Aldosterone: Increases sodium and water retention. Increases MAP.
Erythropoietin: Increases the viscosity of the blood, increases MAP -
Anti-diuretic peptide: Increases sodium and water retention. Increases MAP
Cortisol: Increases sympathetic activity, increases MAP (as HR is increased)
Name the location and outline the function of Baroreceptors
CAROTID SINUS AND ARCH OF THE AORTA
- When increased stretch is experienced they signal via IX to the medulla oblongata.
- Subsequently, autonomic activity is adjusted accordingly.
- Sympathetic innervation affects SAN, AVN and ventricles
- Parasympathetic innervation only affects the SAN and AVN
Factors affecting BP
- Heart rate (CO) - Stroke volume (CO) - Viscosity - Radius of vessels (vaso- dilation/constriction) - Length of vessels (pregnancy and obesity) - Fluid retention by the kidneys
Describe the histological structure of blood vessels
Tunica Intimia: Squamous epithelial cells joined by gap junctions Internal elastic lamina Tunica media: High smooth muscle content. More elastin seen in aorta, elastic arteries rather than muscular. External elastic lamina. Tunica adventitia: External connective tissue. For larger vessels a blood supply may be seen.
Define hypertension
Blood pressure greater than 140/90 Where treatment does more good than harm
Outline the type of hypertension
- Primary (idiopathic cause) - Secondary (aetiology known) > Both may be benign (stable over many years) or malignant (dramatic rise over a short period of time) Causes of secondary hypertension: Renal disease, endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism), tumours, cardiovascular disorder (coarctation), medication (contraceptive), iatrogenic
Venous return
Valves: Compartmentalise the blood flow Muscle pump: Movement of muscles stimulates opening and closing of valves as they are compressed by contraction.
Pathology of arterioles
Hypertension causes constant smooth muscle activation within the arteries. This leads to hypertrophy of the vessels. Collagen is layed down to provide support. This leads to a loss in flexibility. The wall thickens and hardens (arteriosclerosis). Damage is seen within end organs as blood supply can no longer be controlled.