Ch26.5 Blood Pressure Flashcards
Pulse
The alternate expansion and contraction of the arteries
Explain pulse being felt
When the left ventricle contracts, a wave of expansion (followed by contraction by the elastic walls) passes along all the arteries.
Pulse can be felt in the wrist or neck - radial pulse
Average adult pulse
72bpm
60-100bpm
Blood pressure
The force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels mainly arteries
-as blood passes from the aorta to capillaries and veins, the pressure drops
How is blood pressure measured
blood pressure is measured by recording the pressure required to stop the flow of blood in the major artery of the upper arm
Systolic pressure
Higher value which records the pressure as a pulse passes through the artery
Diastolic pressure
Lower value which records the pressure in between pulses
Cause of high blood pressure
Blockages in blood vessels usually
Effect on circulatory system : smoking
-nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, which increased workload on the heart
-carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, which reduces energy levels
-other chemicals increase the likelihood of blood clots, lung cancer and bronchitis etc.
Effect on circulatory system : diet
-fats increase cholesterol levels, - can cause blockages in blood vessels and lead to heart attacks/ strokes
-high salt intake causes high blood pressure
-being overweight contributes to high blood pressure and heart attacks
Effect on circulatory system : exercise
-enlarges and strengthens the heart
-improves overall circulation and reduces body weight
-aerobic exercises increase the amount of oxygen we can transport
Systole
Heart muscle contracting
Diastole
Heart muscle relaxinng
