Assessment and management of patients with hypertension

Abstract

Blood pressure is the product of cardiac output multiplied by peripheral resistance. Cardiac output is the product of the heart rate multiplied by the stroke volume. In normal circulation, pressure is exerted by the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, can reult from a change in cardiac output, a change in peripheral reistance, or both. The medications used for treating hypertension decrese peripheral resistance, blood volume, or the strength and rate of myocardial contraction.