Understanding Blood Pressure: Formula & Components

Blood pressure is calculated using the following equation:

Blood pressure = (Cardiac output × Systemic vascular resistance) + Central venous pressure

Where:

* Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels.

* Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is determined by the heart rate and stroke volume (the volume of blood pumped by the heart with each beat).

* Systemic vascular resistance is the resistance to blood flow through the blood vessels. It is determined by the size and elasticity of the blood vessels.

* Central venous pressure is the pressure of blood in the vena cava, which is the large vein that returns blood to the heart.