Читать книгу Understanding Anatomy and Physiology in Nursing - John Knight - Страница 126

From what you have learnt in this chapter, describe what is likely to have caused Janet’s faint. Could this be related to her recent hospital stay or blood pressure medication?

You should now have a good understanding of the nature of postural hypotension and the risk of falls associated with this condition. Although postural hypotension becomes more common in older people, high blood pressure affects a much greater proportion of the population.

Increased BP may occur as a result of disease (e.g. atherosclerosis), stress or simply through increased sodium (salt) consumption (Figure 3.12). Hormonal mechanisms tend to be more effective in reducing elevated BP; however, neural mechanisms also play a more immediate role.

Figure 3.12 Neural responses to increased BP

In addition to the rapid neural adjustments to BP that are required as a result of postural changes, it is essential that BP is controlled and maintained over the longer term. It is here that hormonal mechanisms play the dominant role.