vascular system

Question 1

peripheral resistance: vasoconstrictors and vasodilators

Answer 1

angiotensin II, noradrenaline, ATP, aldosterone; NO (prostaglandins can do both)

Question 2

how does increased SNS discharge increase arterial pressure

Answer 2

increased sympathetic discharge to arterioles (excluding brain and heart) -> increased arteriolar constriction -> increased peripheral resistance -> increased arterial pressure

Question 3

arterioles: vasoconstriction

Answer 3

decreased radius, increased resistance, decreased flow to that tissue

Question 4

arterioles: vasodilation

Answer 4

increased radius, decreased resistance, increased flow

Question 5

arteriole smooth muscle in normal state

Answer 5

displays state of partial constriction (vascular tone)

Question 6

blood pressure calculation

Answer 6

cardiac output x total peripheral resistance

Question 7

classic systolic/diastolic BP for hypertension

Answer 7

consistently over 140/90 (dependent on size, gender, mass etc.)

Question 8

what is hypertension the single most important risk factor for

Answer 8

stroke (causes approx. 50% ischaemic strokes)

Question 9

what is hypertension a major risk factor for

Answer 9

heart failure (approx. 25%, increasing in elderly), myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease

Question 10

ultimate goal of hypertension therapy

Answer 10

reduce mortality from cardiovascular or renal events