BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 1

Cardiovascular System Lab

Cardiovascular System Lab assesses heart function in laboratory setting systematically, such as the effect of blood pressure on cardiac performance. This involves assessment of the influence of the changes in blood pressure on patients as assessed by lab reports. Normal blood pressure, levels of concern associated with it are described herein, as well as optimal heart rate and parameters for a healthy heart rate. In addition, it discusses the relationship between blood pressure and heart rate, translates results of cardiovascular labs, and makes recommendations for lifestyle changes according to the lab findings.

What is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted while blood is forced from the heart to the body. Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure exerted when the heart releases blood, and systolic pressure refers to the resting pressure in between cardiac beats. The ideal blood pressure level is between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg (National Health Service, 2019). Hypertension is established when consistently high blood pressure is more than 130/80 mm Hg, usually controlled by lifestyle modifications. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or above requires immediate medication and treatment (National Health Service, 2019).

What is Heart Rate

Heart rate is the rate of heartbeats per minute required to satisfy the oxygen needs of the body (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020). Note that an increased heart rate does not necessarily mean high blood pressure (Beckerman, 2002). Resting heart rate indicates the activity of the heart when the body is resting, and a healthy range is 60 to 100 beats per minute (American Heart Association, 2021). Maximum heart rate, the heart rate during hard work, can be determined by the formula 220 minus the person’s age (American Heart Association, 2021). Irregular heart rates, above 120-140 bpm or below 60 bpm, are cause for concern regarding the person’s health (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 1 Cardiovascular System Lab

Correlation between Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Chronic hypertension is a major medical issue and risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Excessive heart rate is often coupled with hypertensive patients and recognized as a factor in hypertension as well as other cardiovascular conditions (Dalal et al., 2019). There are positive correlations between raised heart rate and cardiovascular morbidity, which might result in untimely mortality (Goorakani et al., 2020).

Cardiovascular Results in Patients and Improvement of Lifestyle Changes

Patient 1: Tanya

• Age: 40
• Complaint: Recurring headaches
• Blood Pressure Test: 125/80 mm Hg (pre-hypertension)
• Heart rate Test: 66-72 bpm (normal)

Patient 2: Caroline Mendoza

• Age: 45
• Complaint: Chronic high blood pressure
• Blood Pressure Test: 140/90 mm Hg (severe high blood pressure)
• Heart rate Test: 135 bpm (critical condition)

Conclusion

Blood pressure, the pressure at which the heart pumps blood, ideally should not exceed 120/90 mmHg, with sustained higher levels being high blood pressure. Heart rate, the number of times the heart beats per minute, shows changes in resting and maximum rates, the latter being age-related for the individual. Hypertension is a severe health risk factor and a contributory cause for cardiovascular diseases.