Cardiac output – volume of the blood pumped into the arteries by the heart Hypertension – persistent measurement above the normal systolic and diastolic pressure (over 140/90) Hypotension – abnormally low blood pressure below 100 mmHg systolic
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure 1. Age – BP increases as person grows older. It is lowest in infancy and childhood and highest in adulthood. BP continuous to increase with aging. 2. Gender – women usually have lower BP than men. BP rises in women after menopause. 3. Blood volume – (the amount of blood in the system) severe bleeding lowers blood volume, therefore BP lowers. Rapid administration of IV fluids increases the blood volume, therefore the BP rises. 4. Stress – includes anxiety, fear, and emotions. HR and BP increases as part of the body’s response to stress.