Glossary
Aldosterone
A hormone which is stimulated by angiotensin II to reabsorb sodium and water and excret potassium. It is responsible for increasing blood pressure by increasing blood volume.
—————
Aneurysm
Weakness in the wall of blood vessel forming a bulge like a balloon. Potentially fatal if it ruptures.
—————
Antagonist
A substance that prevent a ligand binding to its receptor. This can either be reversible or irreversible. Antagonists have an efficacy of zero.
—————
Atherosclerosis
Condition where the arteries harden thus restricting blood flow to organs
—————
Baroreceptor
Pressure sensors found in aortic arch and carotid sinuses. They sense a change in pressure and stimulate the baroreflex to either increase blood pressure or to reduce it.
—————
Cardiac Output
The volume of blood being pumped by the heart per minute.
—————
Ischaemia
Decrease in oxygenated blood to tissues and organs occurring when an blood vessel is blocked for example by an embolism
—————
MI
Myocardial infarction is another name for a heart attack where blood supply to the heart via coronary arteries is disturbed. This results in oxygen deprivation to areas of the heart which means death of tissue.
—————
Renin
An enzyme that is secreted in response to a decrease in blood volume. It breaks angiotensinogen down into angiotensin I.
—————
Sphygmomanometer
A device to measure blood pressure. Comprises of an inflatable cuff which cuts off blood supply, a pressure gauge and a stethoscope. There are now fully automated devices available
Search site
Did You Know?
One third of patients with hypertension are overweight. 75% of patients with diabetes develop cardiovascular dieases due to hypertension. There are also strong links between insulin resistance and hypertension.