Blood Pressure Regulation and Vascular Physiology

Blood Pressure Regulation Parameters

Blood pressure is controlled by Cardiac Output, Peripheral Resistance, and Blood Volume.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood pumped from the heart with each beat; increased by preload and contractility.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the autonomic nervous system that increases heart rate and blood pressure through neurotransmitters.

Preload

The amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole, influencing stroke volume.

Contractility

The intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract, affecting stroke volume and cardiac output.

Afterload

The pressure that the heart must work against to eject blood during systole; higher afterload can decrease stroke volume.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases peripheral resistance and blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, leading to decreased peripheral resistance and blood pressure.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average arterial pressure during a single cardiac cycle, critical for adequate blood flow to organs.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that promotes water retention in kidneys, increasing blood volume and pressure.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

Hormone released when blood volume is high, causing the kidneys to excrete sodium and decrease blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin System

Hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, producing Angiotensin II to raise blood pressure.