Final answer:
If autoregulation fails and MAP is elevated, it can result in hypertension. This refers to chronically elevated blood pressure, with measurements of 140/90 mm Hg or above, leading to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertensive retinopathy and strokes.
Step-by-step explanation:
If autoregulation fails and mean arterial pressure (MAP) is elevated, it can result in hypertension. Autoregulation is the process by which blood vessels within certain organs can regulate their own diameter and blood flow. This local control system can adjust to changes in blood pressure to maintain a consistent level of blood flow. However, when autoregulation is not functioning correctly and high blood pressure is not brought under control, it can lead to various conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, nephropathy, strokes, and other complications.
Chronically elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as persistent blood pressure measurements of 140/90 mm Hg or above. This condition can cause damage to the cardiovascular system over time and is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. If MAP remains above the normal range of 70-110 mm Hg, this can lead to serious health issues. On the other hand, if the MAP drops below 60 mm Hg for an extended period, this can also be dangerous, causing ischemia (insufficient blood flow).