What factor does an increase in heart rate effect that brings about an increase in blood pressure
The correct answer and explanation is:
The factor that an increase in heart rate affects to bring about an increase in blood pressure is cardiac output.
Explanation:
Cardiac output refers to the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute. It is determined by two main factors: stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped per beat) and heart rate (the number of beats per minute). When heart rate increases, cardiac output also increases, as more blood is being pumped through the arteries in a given period.
As the heart pumps more blood into the arteries, it causes a greater force exerted on the walls of the blood vessels. This increased force leads to an elevation in systolic blood pressure, the higher value in a blood pressure reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
Furthermore, the peripheral resistance can also be influenced by the increase in heart rate. When the heart pumps faster, there is less time for blood to flow back into the heart from the peripheral areas. The blood vessels may constrict slightly to accommodate the increased volume of blood being pumped, further contributing to an increase in blood pressure.
However, this increase in blood pressure is typically more pronounced in the short term. Chronic increases in heart rate, often due to factors like stress or illness, can lead to sustained higher blood pressure (hypertension) if the body is unable to adapt. Long-term hypertension can strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In summary, an increase in heart rate raises blood pressure primarily by increasing cardiac output, leading to a greater volume of blood being pumped into the arterial system, which creates more pressure against the vessel walls.