Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

Hypertension Tutorial  (NOTE: Turn off or override browser pop-up blockers.)

1. What is hypertension?  click here

2. What is the difference between essential and secondary hypertension?  click here

3. What are several different causes of secondary hypertension?  click here

4. How do changes in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance influence mean arterial pressure?  click here

5. How do changes in blood volume affect arterial pressure?  click here

6. What are systolic and diastolic aortic pressures?  click here

7. What is arterial pulse pressure and what factors cause it to increase or decrease?  click here

8. What is vascular tone?   click here

9. What factors determine central venous pressure?  click here

10. What is the role of endothelial factors such as nitric oxide, endothelin-1, and prostacyclin in regulating vascular resistance?  click here

11. What mechanisms regulate vascular smooth muscle contraction and relaxation?  click here

12. How do autonomic nerves regulate arterial pressure?  click here

13. How do arterial baroreceptors  click here regulate arterial pressure?  

14. What roles do the following humoral factors play in the regulation of arterial pressure?
        a.    Angiotensin II  click here
        b.    Aldosterone  click here
        c.    Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)  click here
        d.    Atrial Natriuretic Peptide  click here

 Revised 11/03/06 

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 1999-2008 Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.