Carlos has advanced arteriosclerosis An analysis of his bloo

Carlos has advanced arteriosclerosis. An analysis of his blood indicates elevated levels of aldosterone and decreased levels of ADH. Explain.

Solution

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. With context to cardiovascular system, it has a very critical role. Highly sensitive stretch receptors are present on the internal surface linings of the cardiomyocytes,endothelial lining and other fibroblasts. These cells respond to the changes in blood pressure and execute biological functions.

When a person suffers for arteriosclerosis, the arterial walls become hard and stiff and consequently lose their elasticity. However, in order to maintain a fluid balance in the body and optimum supply of blood throughout the body, the blood pressure increases. Since the arteries have already lost their elasticity, the best mechanism available for the body ito increase the blood pressure is via secretion of aldosterone. This is why an increase in aldosterone is observed in the patient.

Secondarily, ADH or anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin is responsible for preventing loss of water from the body by preventing urination. This further increases the total plasma volume of the blood and raises the blood pressure. This is why a decrease in total ADH content was observed in this patient.