Lecture 28. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Hypertension Flashcards
How does blood flow ?
From areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure
What is blood pressure ?
Force exerted in all directions
What plays a role in maintaining blood pressure ?
The recoil of arterial walls
What dissipates much of pressure ?
The resistance of blood flow in the narrow diameters of tiny capillaries and arterioles
What is systolic pressure ?
The pressure in the arteries during ventricular systole
What is the highest pressure in the arteries ?
Systolic pressure
What is pulse ?
Rhythmic bulging of artery walls with each heartbeat
What is diastolic pressure ?
The pressure in the arterioles during diastole, it is lower than systolic pressure
What is formula to measure flow ?
Flow = Pressure gradient/Resistance
What creates a pressure gradient for blood flow ?
Heart
What is the formula for resistance ?
Resistance = (Length x Viscosity)/ Radius ^4
What are the most important resistance vessel ?
Arterioles
How do homeostatic mechanisms regulate arterial blood pressure ?
By altering the diameter of arterioles (vasoactivity)
What is vasoconstriction ?
The contraction of smooth muscle in the arteriole walls increasing blood pressure
What is vasodilation ?
The relaxation of smooth muscles in the arterioles, causing blood pressure to fall
What is a major inducer of vasodilation ?
Nitric oxide
What is an inducer of vasoconstriction ?
The peptide endothelin
What is vasoconstriction and vasodilation often coupled to ?
Changes in cardiac output that affect blood pressure
What is vasoactivity influenced by ?
- Autonomic nerves
- Hormones
- Metabolism
Where is blood pressure measured from ?
The artery in the arm at the same height as the heart
What is the recommended blood pressure for a healthy young adult ?
At rest should be less than 120mm HG at systole and 70 mm Hg at diastole
What has a significant effect on blood pressure ?
Gravity