Arterial tension

Arterial Tension refers to the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries. It is a crucial aspect of cardiovascular physiology and is primarily regulated by the heart, blood volume, and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls.

Overview

Arterial tension is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is usually represented as two numbers, systolic over diastolic. The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, while the diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Regulation

The body maintains arterial tension within a certain range through a complex system of feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms involve the nervous system, endocrine system, and kidneys. For example, if arterial tension falls, the heart rate increases to pump more blood and raise the pressure. Similarly, if arterial tension rises, the heart rate slows down.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal arterial tension can lead to various health problems. High arterial tension, or hypertension, can cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. On the other hand, low arterial tension, or hypotension, can cause dizziness and fainting, and in severe cases, can lead to life-threatening shock.

Measurement

Arterial tension is usually measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer. This device consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a gauge that measures the pressure. The cuff is inflated to a pressure above the systolic pressure, and then slowly deflated while the person measuring the pressure listens with a stethoscope to hear the blood start to flow again.

See Also

• Blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Hypotension
• Cardiovascular system

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