Arterial Blood Pressure Overview

The maximum pressure in blood vessels during the heart's contraction (systole).

The minimum pressure in blood vessels during the heart's relaxation (diastole).

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The average pressure in the arteries during a cardiac cycle.

Below 120 mmHg (up to 90 mmHg).

Below 80 mmHg (up to 60 mmHg).

The force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries.

Measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

Variables like age, sex, gravity, exercise, and respiration influence blood pressure.

A decrease in systolic blood pressure during inhalation, typically greater than 10 mmHg.

Sensory receptors located in the carotid and aortic bodies that detect changes in blood gases and pH.

Decreased oxygen (PaO2), increased carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and increased hydrogen ions (low pH) stimulate peripheral chemoreceptors.

A reflex response to changes in blood chemistry that adjusts autonomic output to the heart and blood vessels to maintain blood pressure.

A reflex triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain, causing vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

The narrowing of blood vessels to manage blood pressure.

A peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure during hypotension.

Norepinephrine and epinephrine, hormones stimulating vasoconstriction and increasing heart rate, thus increasing blood pressure.

A complex cascade involving renin, angiotensin I, angiotensin II, triggering vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure.

Movement of fluids between blood vessels and tissues during hypotension to maintain blood volume and pressure.

A temporary drop in blood pressure after eating, often due to blood diverting to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Cardiac output (COP) and total peripheral resistance (PR) determine ABP. COP is heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. PR is dictated by blood vessel radius and viscosity.

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Determined by Heart Rate and Stroke Volume.

The resistance to blood flow in the circulatory system. Determined by blood vessel diameter and blood thickness.

An autonomic reflex response to changes in blood pressure, mediated by stretch receptors in blood vessels. Maintains stable blood pressure by adjusting heart rate and vessel tone.

Stretch receptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch.

Decreased heart rate, decreased stroke volume and vasodilation in response to high blood pressure.

Increased heart rate, increased stroke volume and vasoconstriction in response to low blood pressure.

Fastest mechanisms for adjusting blood pressure, acting within seconds, primarily through the nervous system.

Mechanisms adjusting blood pressure relatively quickly, within minutes, primarily through hormones.

Mechanisms that adjust blood pressure over hours to days, primarily by affecting blood volume.

Highest blood pressure during heart contraction (systole).

Lowest blood pressure during heart relaxation (diastole).

Difference between systolic and diastolic BP.

Average blood pressure during a cardiac cycle.

Below 120 mmHg (up to 90 mmHg)

Below 80 mmHg (up to 60 mmHg)

The force blood exerts on artery walls.

Measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

Age, sex, gravity, exercise, and respiration influence arterial blood pressure.

Drop in systolic pressure during breathing.

Average pressure driving blood to tissues.

Sensory receptors in the carotid and aortic bodies that detect changes in blood gases (O2 & CO2) and pH.

A reflex response to changes in blood chemistry; it adjusts heart and blood vessel activity to maintain blood pressure.

A reflex triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain; it leads to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

Narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

A hormone that causes vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure, particularly during low blood pressure situations.

Hormones (norepinephrine and epinephrine) that cause vasoconstriction and increase heart rate, boosting blood pressure.

A cascade of reactions involving renin and angiotensin, leading to vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure; it's often triggered by low blood sodium or low renal blood flow.

Fluid movement between blood vessels and tissues to adjust blood volume and blood pressure, particularly during low blood pressure.

A temporary drop in blood pressure after eating, often due to blood shifting to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Cardiac output (COP) and total peripheral resistance (PR) determine arterial blood pressure. COP is the product of heart rate and stroke volume. PR is determined by blood vessel radius and blood viscosity.

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

The resistance to blood flow in the circulatory system.

An autonomic reflex response to changes in blood pressure, mediated by stretch receptors in blood vessels, quickly adjusting heart rate and vessel tone to maintain stable blood pressure.

Located in the carotid sinus and aortic arch.

Decreased heart rate, decreased stroke volume, and vasodilation in response to high blood pressure.

Increased heart rate, increased stroke volume, and vasoconstriction in response to low blood pressure.

The fastest mechanisms for adjusting blood pressure, acting within seconds, controlled primarily by the nervous system.

Mechanisms adjusting blood pressure relatively quickly (within minutes), primarily controlled by hormones.