Blood Pressure Definition:  The force blood exerts against inner walls of blood vessels Measured in the arteries Rises and falls with parts of the cardiac cycle

Blood Pressure Blood Pressure reading has 2 components:  Systolic pressure- maximum pressure during ventricular contraction  Diastolic pressure- lowest pressure remaining in arteries before next ventricular contraction  Normal BP = 120/80 (systolic/diastolic)

Blood Pressure Influenced by:  Blood volume – decrease in blood volume, decreases BP Ex: dehydration, hemorrhage  Blood viscosity- increase viscosity (resistance to flow), increases BP  Sympathetic ANS- fear, anger, rise in body temp, exercise; increase BP

F= P (πr 4 / nL) For optimal blood flow, you want: Less Viscosity:  To get: decrease intake of sodium, take blood thinners (aspirin) Increased Diameter:  Reduce plaque buildup by decreasing intake of saturated fats, increasing intake of whole grains & fruits/veggies, and losing weight (can also take medications)  Reduce stress  Don’t smoke Decreased Length:  Maintain a healthy weight