What is the basic pathophysiology of hypertension?

What is the basic pathophysiology of hypertension?

• A. Chronically low blood pressure due to reduced systemic resistance
• B. Chronically elevated blood pressure caused by increased peripheral resistance, increased cardiac output, or both
• C. Low blood volume
• D. Reduced heart rate

Answer: (B)

Hypertension occurs when arterial pressure stays high over time because the factors that push blood through the circulation are elevated. Mean arterial pressure is determined by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, so a chronic rise can come from increased resistance in the small arteries and arterioles (due to vasoconstriction, arterial stiffness, or volume-related effects that raise pressure) and/or from higher cardiac output (for example, a greater stroke volume). Often both factors are at play, keeping pressure persistently elevated. The other options describe low blood pressure or reduced heart rate, which would not explain a chronic elevation in arterial pressure.

Hypertension occurs when arterial pressure stays high over time because the factors that push blood through the circulation are elevated. Mean arterial pressure is determined by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, so a chronic rise can come from increased resistance in the small arteries and arterioles (due to vasoconstriction, arterial stiffness, or volume-related effects that raise pressure) and/or from higher cardiac output (for example, a greater stroke volume). Often both factors are at play, keeping pressure persistently elevated. The other options describe low blood pressure or reduced heart rate, which would not explain a chronic elevation in arterial pressure.