Exam 2: Blood Pressure Flashcards
Where is blood pressure the highest and lowest?
Highest in large arteries, Lowest in smaller branches and veins
What is Mean Arterial Pressure?
the mean pressure within the circulatory system
(2 x Diastolic) + Systolic / 3
What is pulse pressure?
the pressure palpated int he pulse
systolic pressure - diastolic pressure
What may cause a narrow (low) pulse pressure?
Aortic stenosis, tamponade
What may cause a wide (high) pulse pressure?
atherosclerosis, AV fistula, aortic regurgitation
What causes a false elevation reading of BP?
cuff is too small, arm below heart, “white coat” HTN, caffeine
What causes a false decrease reading of BP?
cuff is too large, arm above the heart
How does our body regulate BP?
Autonomics: Heart rate, SVR (resistance, constriction/ dilation), stroke volume
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system
What is the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system?
Renin converts angiotensin toe angiotensin I which goes to angiotensin II that causes vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, aldosterone causes sodium and water retention which increases blood volume and both cause increase in blood pressure
What is Essential (Primary) HTN?
most common, unknown cause (nutrition, lifestyle) , many causes, result from organ or tissue itself
What is secondary HTN?
results from something else, you treat the root cause, kidney failure, adrenal tumors, medication, hyperthyroidism
What is Orthostatic Hypotension?
a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting, dizziness and fainting upon standing
