NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Vascular peripheral resistance refers to the opposition to blood flow through the peripheral blood vessels. This resistance is primarily influenced by the diameter of the blood vessels; when they constrict, resistance increases, and when they dilate, resistance decreases.

Increased vascular peripheral resistance typically leads to higher blood pressure. When the peripheral blood vessels are constricted, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through these narrow vessels, resulting in an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect is significant because elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, poses numerous health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Understanding the relationship between vascular resistance and blood pressure is crucial in health assessments and in managing conditions that affect cardiovascular health. This relationship highlights the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessel function and the potential health implications associated with increased vascular resistance.