Mrs. Rees is brought to the emergency room after being involved in an auto accident. She is hemorrhaging and has a rapid pulse that can barely be felt, but her blood pressure is still within normal limits. Describe the compensatory mechanisms that are maintaining her blood pressure in the face of blood loss.

Mrs. Hamad, a middle-aged woman, is admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of left ventricular failure resulting from a myocardial infarction. Her chart indicates that she was awakened in the middle of the night by severe chest pain. Her skin is pale and cold, and moist sounds of pulmonary edema are heard over the lower regions of both lungs. Explain how failure of the left ventricle might cause these signs and symptoms.

John is a 30-year-old man who is overweight and smokes. He has been diagnosed with hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Define each of these conditions. How are they often related? Why is hypertension called the 'silent killer'? Name three changes in your lifestyle that might help prevent cardiovascular disease in your old age.

Two elements determine blood pressure—the cardiac output of the heart and the peripheral resistance, or friction, in the blood vessels. Name two factors that increase cardiac output. Name two factors that increase peripheral resistance.

Mr. Grimaldi was previously diagnosed as having a posterior pituitary tumor that causes hypersecretion of ADH. He comes to the clinic regularly to have his blood pressure checked. Would you expect his blood pressure to be chronically elevated or depressed? Why?