It’s your turn

Lesson 4:
1. The two factors that influences the blood pressure measurement are the following:
Cardiac Output
 Cardiac output is the volume of blood flow from the heart through the ventricles, and it is
commonly measured in litres per minute (L/min). Cardiac output is estimated by
multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate. The amount of blood pumped by the
heart every minute is referred to as cardiac output. It is computed by multiplying stroke
volume (the amount of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute) by heart rate (number
of beats per minute).
 Any factor that increases cardiac output, whether by increasing heart rate, stroke volume,
or both, raises blood pressure and promotes blood flow. Sympathetic activation, the
catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and elevated calcium
ion levels are among these variables.
 In contrast, every factor that reduces cardiac output, whether by lowering heart rate,
stroke volume, or both, reduces arterial pressure and blood flow. Parasympathetic
stimulation, high or lowered potassium ion levels, decreased calcium levels, anoxia, and
acidosis are among these reasons.
Peripheral Vascular Resistance
 Compliance is the ability of any compartment to expand to accommodate additional
content, which is referred to as peripheral vascular resistance. A metal pipe, for example,
is not compliant, whereas a balloon is. The greater the compliance of an artery, the more
effectively it may expand to handle spikes in blood flow without increasing resistance or
blood pressure.
 Veins are more pliable than arteries and can expand to hold more blood. When vascular
disease causes artery stiffening (e.g., atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), compliance
decreases and resistance to blood flow increases. As a result, there is increased
turbulence, higher pressure within the channel, and less blood flow. This increases the
work of the heart.
 Peripheral vascular resistance (SVR) is the resistance in the circulatory system that is
used to generate blood pressure, blood flow, and is also a component of heart function.
When blood arteries tighten (vasoconstriction), the SVR increases.