Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

19. The Blood Vessels

Introduction to Hemodynamics

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Introduction to Hemodynamics

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2:30 minutes

Problem 28

Textbook Question

John is a 30-year-old man who is overweight and smokes. He has been diagnosed with hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Define each of these conditions. How are they often related? Why is hypertension called the 'silent killer'? Name three changes in your lifestyle that might help prevent cardiovascular disease in your old age.

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Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, often requiring the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels.

Arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries, which can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues.

These conditions are often related because hypertension can damage the arteries over time, leading to arteriosclerosis. The increased pressure can cause the arterial walls to thicken and harden, exacerbating the condition.

Hypertension is called the 'silent killer' because it often has no noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred, such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.

Three lifestyle changes that might help prevent cardiovascular disease include: adopting a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking to improve overall cardiovascular health.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It often has no symptoms, which is why it is referred to as the 'silent killer.' If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues. This condition often develops due to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is a significant contributor to heart attacks and strokes.

Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Health

Making lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing cardiovascular disease. Key changes include adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking. These modifications can significantly lower the risk of hypertension and arteriosclerosis, promoting overall heart health.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

a. Define blood pressure. Differentiate between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

b. What is the normal blood pressure value for an adult?

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Textbook Question

Arterial blood pressure increases in response to:

a. increasing stroke volume

b. increasing heart rate

c. atherosclerosis

d. rising blood volume

e. all of these

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Textbook Question

Jolene awakens suddenly to the sound of her alarm clock. Realizing that she is late for class, she jumps to her feet, feels light-headed, and falls back on her bed. What probably caused this reaction? Why doesn't this happen all the time?

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

An increase in BP would be caused by all of the following except

a. Increase in SV

b. Increase in heart rate

c. Hemorrhage

d. Vasoconstriction of the arterioles

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Textbook Question

Mrs. Rees is brought to the emergency room after being involved in an auto accident. She is hemorrhaging and has a rapid pulse that can barely be felt, but her blood pressure is still within normal limits. Describe the compensatory mechanisms that are maintaining her blood pressure in the face of blood loss.

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Textbook Question

Mr. Grimaldi was previously diagnosed as having a posterior pituitary tumor that causes hypersecretion of ADH. He comes to the clinic regularly to have his blood pressure checked. Would you expect his blood pressure to be chronically elevated or depressed? Why?

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Textbook Question

The carotid sinus contains:

a. Baroreceptors

b. Chemoreceptors

c. Metabolic controls

d. Smooth muscle cells

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Textbook Question

Which of the following would produce a decrease in blood pressure?