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Blood pressure is influenced by
multiple factors in the body. The rate the heart pumps and the
viscosity of the blood itself are both examples of influencing
factors.
Fluid systems in the body have
a high level of complexity, and the circulatory system is no
different. It is because of this that there are so many
different factors that can affect blood pressure.
The factors that influence
blood pressure may, in turn, be influenced by outside factors
such as diet, exercise, disease, or drugs. This results in
blood pressure having an even greater number of indirect
influences.
The most influential factor
associated with blood pressure is the heart rate. A normal
heart rate range for healthy adults is between 60 and 80 beats
per minute. When the heart rate increases, it increases the
blood pressure.
Another physical factor related
to blood pressure is the blood volume of the body. The more
blood there is in the body, the higher the rate of blood return
to the heart and the higher the blood pressure. Salt intake may
play a role in blood volume, though the amount to which it
raises blood pressure varies.
Resistance and viscosity are
two other major influencing factors in blood pressure.
Resistance relates to the size and the smoothness of blood
vessels. Viscosity is the thickness of the blood flowing
through the body.
Other factors can influence
blood pressure as well. These include sepsis, hemorrhaging,
certain toxins, and hormonal abnormalities. On a lighter note,
simply sitting and standing can influence blood pressure too.
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