HYPERTENSION & ANTIHYPERTENSIVES
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common
disorder affecting many people who may not even
notice any symptoms. To understand the pharmacology
of antihypertensive agents, it is important to review the
basic physiology of blood pressure regulation.
Regulation of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is maintained by the contraction of
the left ventricle, systemic vascular resistance,
elasticity of the arterial walls, and blood volume.
Arterial blood pressure is regulated by pressure-
sensitive neurons called baroreceptors located in the
aortic arch and carotid sinuses.
Activation of alpha1 receptors on smooth muscle
causes vasoconstriction and an increase in vascular
resistance and blood pressure.
Reninangiotensinaldosterone system is another major
system involved in blood pressure regulation.
Renin is necessary for the production of angiotensin
II, a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral
resistance and blood pressure.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common
disorder affecting many people who may not even
notice any symptoms. To understand the pharmacology
of antihypertensive agents, it is important to review the
basic physiology of blood pressure regulation.
Regulation of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is maintained by the contraction of
the left ventricle, systemic vascular resistance,
elasticity of the arterial walls, and blood volume.
Arterial blood pressure is regulated by pressure-
sensitive neurons called baroreceptors located in the
aortic arch and carotid sinuses.
Activation of alpha1 receptors on smooth muscle
causes vasoconstriction and an increase in vascular
resistance and blood pressure.
Reninangiotensinaldosterone system is another major
system involved in blood pressure regulation.
Renin is necessary for the production of angiotensin
II, a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral
resistance and blood pressure.
