Blood Pressure Flashcards
What is high blood pressure known as?
Hypertension
What is hypertension a measure of?
The hydrostatic force of blood against the walls of a blood vessel
When is blood pressure highest?
When the ventricles have contracted - systolic pressure
When is blood pressure lowest?
When the ventricles are relaxed - diastolic pressure
What is used to measure blood pressure?
A sphygmomanometer
What is blood pressure measured in?
Kilopascals
What is the normal systolic range of blood pressure?
100-140 mmHg
What is the normal diastolic range for blood pressure?
60-90 mmHg
What is peripheral resistance?
Where blood comes into contact with the walls of a blood vessel causing friction and stopping the flow of blood
What do arterioles and capillaries have that causes blood pressure to fall?
Greater surface area
If the smooth muscles contract, what happens to resistance?
The vessels constrict, increasing resistance and in turn raising blood pressure
What happens to blood pressure if smooth muscles dilate?
Peripheral resistance is reduced and blood pressure falls
What is oedema?
The build up of fluid in tissues that causes swelling?
What is the first step of oedema forming?
Tissue fluid forms when plasma is forced out of the capillaries, carrying nutrients and oxygen with it
What do the cells absorb from the tissue fluid?
Nutrients and oxygen, they give out waste
