Rises in blood pressure with large increases in cardiac output are limited by decreases in total peripheral resistance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Total peripheral resistance refers to the resistance of the blood vessels to blood flow, and is a major determinant of blood pressure. When cardiac output increases, there is a natural tendency for blood pressure to rise. However, large increases in cardiac output are limited by a compensatory decrease in total peripheral resistance, which helps to buffer against excessive increases in blood pressure. This is why hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) often results from prolonged increases in total peripheral resistance, rather than from isolated episodes of high cardiac output.

Rises in Blood Pressure with Large Increases in Cardiac Output