Normal Resting Cardiac Pressures and Autoregulation

This set of flashcards contains key concepts and definitions related to normal resting cardiac pressures and autoregulation.

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)

A measurement that serves as an approximation of left atrial pressure.

Left atrial pressure

The pressure in the left atrium of the heart.

Mitral stenosis

A condition that involves narrowing of the mitral valve, which leads to increased left atrial pressure.

Normal pressure in the right atrium

Less than 5 mmHg.

Normal pressure in the right ventricle

25 mmHg during systole and less than 5 mmHg during diastole.

Normal pressure in the pulmonary artery

Less than 25 mmHg during systole and approximately 8 mmHg during diastole.

Normal PCWP

Typically between 4 to 12 mmHg.

Normal pressure in the left atrium

Less than 12 mmHg.

Normal left ventricular systolic pressure

Less than 120 mmHg.

Normal left ventricular diastolic pressure

Less than 12 mmHg.

Autoregulation

The process that allows blood flow to an organ to remain constant over a wide range of perfusion pressures.

Hypoxia in the lungs

Causes vasoconstriction to redirect blood flow to well-ventilated areas.

Hypoxia in the rest of the body

Causes vasodilation to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.

Local metabolic vasodilators in the heart

Such as nitric oxide, carbon dioxide, and low oxygen.

Myogenic response in kidneys

A response related to stretch-dependent changes in the diameter of afferent arterioles.

Local metabolites during skeletal muscle exercise

Including carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, adenosine, lactate, and potassium (mnemonic: CHOC).

Sympathetic vasoconstriction in skin

An important mechanism for temperature control.