Heart Model
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Concepts Richard E. Klabunde, PhD

Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts 3e textbook cover Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, 3rd edition textbook, Published by Wolters Kluwer (2021)

CNormal and Abnormal Blood Pressure, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Treatment book cover Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure, published by Richard E. Klabunde (2013)

The Pharmacologic Treatment of Hypotension

Definition of Hypotension and its Causes

Hypotension is a physiologic state in which the arterial blood pressure is abnormally low. For an adult, hypotension exists when the systolic pressure is less than 90 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is less than 60 mmHg. Because arterial pressure is determined by cardiac output, venous pressure and systemic vascular resistance (Click here for more details), a reduction in any of these variables can lead to hypotension.

Causes of hypotension include:

  1. Hypovolemia caused by hemorrhage or dehydration (reduces venous pressure and cardiac output).
  2. Impaired venous return caused by postural changes, gravitational forces, or venous obstruction (reduces venous pressure and cardiac output).
  3. Reduced cardiac contractility caused by heart failure, myocardial ischemia, or autonomic dysfunction (reduces cardiac output).
  4. Arrhythmias that reduce heart rate or impair ventricular filling (reduce cardiac output)
  5. Reduced systemic vascular resistance because of loss of sympathetic tone caused by drugs, autonomic dysfunction, or vasodilation caused by sepsis (septic shock) or anaphylaxis.

Hypotension causes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to Next Page
Rationale for Pharmacologic Treatment

Revised 01/14/2024

Be sure to visit our sister site, CVPhysiology.com.

Why the Ads? CVpharmacology.com is very popular with medical school students, physicians, educators, and others. We use the revenue from advertisements to offset the cost of hosting and maintaining this website. Having ads allows us to keep this website free for everyone.

Amazon Badge
Shop for Medical Books & Textbooks on Amazon