Effects of elements on blood pressure

H F Loyke1

  • 1Columbia Saint Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.

Insights

This review details 28 elements influencing blood pressure regulation, exploring their pressor and depressor actions. It covers established functions and controversial roles in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Blood pressure regulation is a complex physiological process.
  • Numerous endogenous and exogenous factors influence blood pressure.
  • The role of specific elements in blood pressure control requires comprehensive understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive review of all known elements involved in blood pressure control.
  • To elucidate the direct and indirect mechanisms by which elements affect blood pressure.
  • To present established functions and controversial roles of elements in blood pressure regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Computerized literature searches were performed to identify relevant studies.
  • Data from experimental animal and human subjects were analyzed.
  • Information on dosage, absorption, storage, and excretion of elements was compiled.

Main Results:

  • A total of 28 elements have been documented as involved in blood pressure control.
  • Individual elements exhibit diverse metabolic and structural activities impacting blood pressure.
  • Some elements demonstrate pressor (elevating) effects, while others have depressor (lowering) effects.

Conclusions:

  • Elements play a critical and multifaceted role in the control of blood pressure.
  • Understanding the functions, controversies, and pharmacokinetic properties of elements is vital for blood pressure management.
  • Further research may clarify the controversial roles of certain elements in blood pressure regulation.

Related Concept Videos

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements01:27

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally occurring, and only a few of them are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.
Periodic Table Provides Information...
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure01:17

Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure

Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...