Aortic pressure

Aortic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the aorta, the main and largest artery in the human body that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic pressure is a crucial factor in the overall cardiovascular system as it influences the flow of blood to the organs and tissues.

Measurement of Aortic Pressure

Aortic pressure is typically measured indirectly through the use of a sphygmomanometer, a device used to measure blood pressure. However, direct measurement can be obtained through invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization. The measurement of aortic pressure is important in the diagnosis and management of various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, aortic stenosis, and aortic aneurysm.

Factors Influencing Aortic Pressure

Several factors can influence aortic pressure. These include the volume of blood pumped by the heart (known as cardiac output), the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels (known as vascular resistance), and the elasticity of the aorta. Changes in any of these factors can lead to alterations in aortic pressure and potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal aortic pressure can lead to various health problems. High aortic pressure, or hypertension, can cause damage to the blood vessels and the heart, leading to conditions such as heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, low aortic pressure can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues, a condition known as hypotension.

See Also

• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular system
• Hypertension
• Hypotension