Hemodynamics Flashcards
What is the main function of the heart?
~ Return blood from the capillaries back to the heart
~ Act as a reservoir to maintain homeostasis
At any given time what is the percent of blood volume moving through the veins?
80%
How large is the resistance of flow against veins? Why?
Little resistance to flow because of their large diameters
What is needed for blood to flow from 1 point to another?
A pressure gradient
What is another name for pressure gradient?
Energy gradient
Veins rely on a variety of mechanisms to do what?
- Prevent bidirectional flow
2. Aid in the return of blood against gravity
What mechanisms do veins rely on to prevent bidirectional flow and aid in the return of blood against gravity? (6)
~ cardiac function ~ respiratory function ~ skeletal muscles ~ pressure gradients ~ venous valves ~ compliance
What is capacitance?
The ability to collapse and expand and adapt to changes in the blood volume
What type of blood does the LV send through the arteries when it contracts?
High pressure pulsatile stream
What happens to the blood as it flows through the high resistance arterials and capillaries?
Looses pressure
By the time the arterial blood enters the venules what has the pressure been reduced to?
15mmHg
What is hydrostatic pressure?
The weight of a column of blood
Describe hydrostatic pressure
It is the pressure exerted by a fluid in a closed system and is equivalent to the weight of a column of blood extending from the heart to the level where the pressure is being measured
What causes hydrostatic pressure?
Gravity
What varies hydrostatic pressure?
Patient position
Standing = more pressure
Height
What must be overcome for blood to flow into the lower extremity veins?
Venous pressure
What type of person has more hydrostatic pressure?
Tall
What is hydrostatic pressure also know as?
Gravitational pressure
What is the primary factor in determining intravascular pressure within the venous system?
Hydrostatic pressure
What is the hydrostatic pressure in a supine person? Why?
15mmHg - negligible because all parts are at the same level as the RA
What happens to the leg veins when standing?
Dilate to accept the blood draining into them
When standing what is the venous pressure?
Rises to 110mmHg
What happens to the veins when standing?
Stiffen
What is needed for blood to flow?
Pressure gradient