Question

People who have chronic high blood pressure often have stiff and noncompliant arteries due to atherosclerosis. explain how this will affect the following: Blood flow through the arteries Left ventricular afterload

Answer 1

Due to atherosclerosis, the blood vessels becomes narrow and increases the blood pressure. Blood flow through the arteries will be affected due to narrowing of the arteries. The plaque deposition makes the arteries stiff and noncompliant. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and other parts of body. If the plaque becomes thicker it can block the arteries and cut off the blood flow. This increase in blood pressure raises left ventricle afterload and contributes to its hypertrophy.