A normal blood pressure is necessary for healthy bodily functions. But, homeostatic imbalances may abruptly change the blood pressure, causing severe clinical conditions.
For instance, hypertension is characterized by sustained high blood pressure of 130 over 80 mm Hg or higher. It's often caused by obesity, alcohol consumption, stress, and genetic predisposition.
On the other hand, chronic hypotension, below 90 over 60 mm Hg, can result from dehydration, blood loss, or sepsis.
Circulatory shock is another clinically significant condition marked by inadequate blood flow and reduced ability to supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues. There are four main types of shock.
Hypovolemic shock arises from substantial blood loss due to acute hemorrhage during traumatic injuries.
Vascular shock happens due to sudden vasodilation, leading to rapid and severe hypotension.
In cardiogenic shock, the heart fails to pump enough blood, often due to damage from a heart attack or ischemia.
On the other hand, obstructive shock blocks or obstructs the blood flow. It is most commonly caused by pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade.
Disorders affecting blood volume, vascular tone, or vascular function can disrupt vascular homeostasis, including conditions like hypertension, hemorrhage, and shock.
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac failure.
Conversely, hypotension is reduced blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg. This causes reduced blood flow to organs and tissues, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, fatigue, and lack of concentration. While chronic low blood pressure without symptoms often isn't serious, acute hypotension can be a medical emergency requiring prompt attention to restore adequate circulation and prevent organ damage.
Hemorrhagic Event
Significant blood loss exceeds the body's hemostatic mechanisms. Immediate responses aim to elevate blood pressure and maintain perfusion. Baroreceptors activate sympathetic responses, increasing cardiac output and vasoconstriction. Hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine further enhance these effects. If blood loss is less than 20% of total volume, these responses usually normalize blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and Erythropoietin (EPO) help restore blood volume through fluid intake, sodium and water reabsorption, and erythrocyte formation.
Circulatory Disturbance: Shock Syndrome
Shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Symptoms include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, reduced urine output, confusion, or unconsciousness.
Each form of shock requires specific interventions to restore vascular function and maintain blood flow.