What are the two major effects when blood pressure falls below normal?

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Multiple Choice

What are the two major effects when blood pressure falls below normal?

When blood pressure falls, the body triggers rapid compensatory mechanisms to restore it. The baroreceptor reflex increases sympathetic activity and reduces parasympathetic input, leading to two major effects: the heart beats faster and contracts more forcefully, raising cardiac output; at the same time, most peripheral arteries constrict, increasing systemic vascular resistance. The combination of higher cardiac output and vasoconstriction raises arterial pressure back toward normal. Longer-term adjustments (like fluid retention) help if hypotension persists, but the immediate response centers on boosting output and constricting vessels.

When blood pressure falls, the body triggers rapid compensatory mechanisms to restore it. The baroreceptor reflex increases sympathetic activity and reduces parasympathetic input, leading to two major effects: the heart beats faster and contracts more forcefully, raising cardiac output; at the same time, most peripheral arteries constrict, increasing systemic vascular resistance. The combination of higher cardiac output and vasoconstriction raises arterial pressure back toward normal. Longer-term adjustments (like fluid retention) help if hypotension persists, but the immediate response centers on boosting output and constricting vessels.

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