Question

Identify whether each circumstance provided will promote an increase or decrease in blood pressure

Answer 1

Circumstance that cause an increase in Blood Pressure:

- increasing levels of aldosterone ((influences the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium in the kidneys. This will indirectly influence the blood pressure since the volume of blood will change)

- vasoconstriction ( blood vessels increase their contraction, which equals to more pressure)

-increased release of renin (Converts angiotensinogen, secreted in the liver, into angiotensin I).
- increased activity of Angiotensin-converting enzyme ( this enzyme converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II increasing vasoconstriction).

Circumstances that cause a Decrease in Blood Pressure:

- decreased sodium reabsorption ( by decreasing sodium, the amount of water will also decrease or , in other words,will be excreted. Less water, will decrease volume of blood and that means less blood pressure)

- vasodilation (The smooth muscle in the blood vessels decrease their contraction, which equals to less pressure)

- declining levels of ADH(ADH is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates vasoconstriction plus it promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys. To reduce blood pressure, is important to have ADH levels reduced)