This document provides an overview of the cardiovascular system, including the cardiac cycle, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and hypertension. It discusses topics such as:
- The cardiac cycle occurs over 0.8 seconds and includes systole and diastole.
- Sinus rhythm is normally set by the sinoatrial node at a rate of 70-80 beats per minute.
- Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
- Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure over 140 mmHg or diastolic over 90 mmHg. It can be primary (essential) or secondary due to other medical conditions.
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