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Introduction

Vascular resistance is the resistance that must be overcome to push blood through the circulatory system and create flow. The resistance offered by the systemic circulation is known as the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) or may sometimes be called by the older term total peripheral resistance (TPR), while the resistance offered by the pulmonary circulation is known as the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Systemic vascular resistance is used in calculations of blood pressure, blood flow, and cardiac function. Vasoconstriction (i.e., decrease in blood vessel diameter) increases SVR, whereas vasodilation (increase in diameter) decreases SVR.

“Vaso” actually means blood vessel. Vasoconstriction is narrowing or constriction of the blood vessels. It happens when smooth muscles in blood vessel walls tighten. This makes the blood vessel opening smaller. Vasoconstriction may also be called vasospasm. Vasoconstriction is a normal process. It helps keep your body in healthy balance. Vasoconstriction may occur to: stabilize blood pressure or raise blood pressure, reduce loss of body heat in cold temperatures, control how blood is distributed throughout your body, send more nutrients and oxygen to organs that need them and protect your body against blood and fluid loss.

Mechanism of Action

Vasoconstrictors (epinephrine and levonordefrin) are added to local anesthetics to counteract their vasodilatory action by constricting blood vessels, thus decreasing blood flow to the injection area. The absorption of the local anesthetic into the cardiovascular system is slowed resulting in lower anesthetic levels, minimizing the risk of local anesthesia toxicity and increasing the duration of anesthesia by allowing the local anesthesia to remain around the nerve for a longer period of time.

If too much vasoconstrictor is injected or the anesthetic is injected intravascularly, the vasoconstrictor is absorbed into the vascular system just as the anesthetic. Overuse of gingival retraction cord, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease can cause vasoconstrictor toxicity. Increased vasoconstrictor into the blood stream causes moderate increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cardiac output and stroke volume. These actions lead to an overall decrease in cardiac efficiency.

Vasoconstriction reduces the volume or space inside affected blood vessels. When blood vessel volume is lowered, blood flow is also reduced. At the same time, the resistance or force of blood flow is raised. This causes higher blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to health conditions over time, like vision loss, stroke, or a damaged heart.

Vasoconstriction Through food

Foods high in sodium can put stress on your blood vessels, causing them to constrict. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, avoid or limit the following foods: packaged and fast foods, deli meat and canned soups. Alcohol can also raise your blood pressure. Some health conditions and medications can cause abnormal vasoconstriction. This can lead to health problems depending on where this happens and for how long.

Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com