Final answer:
Increasing total peripheral resistance would result in an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), as MAP is directly proportional to the resistance to blood flow in the circulatory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an important measure of blood pressure that represents the average pressure in the arteries during one cardiac cycle. It is vital for ensuring sufficient blood flow through the tissues. MAP is calculated by adding the diastolic pressure to one-third of the pulse pressure (systolic pressure minus diastolic pressure). For example, with a systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg, the MAP can be approximated as 80 mm Hg + (120 mm Hg - 80 mm Hg) / 3, which equals approximately 93.33 mm Hg.
When total peripheral resistance (TPR) increases, this means that the resistance to blood flow through the body's circulatory system is increased. Since MAP is directly proportional to both the cardiac output and the total peripheral resistance (MAP = Cardiac Output x TPR), an increase in total peripheral resistance would cause an increase in mean arterial pressure, assuming other factors such as cardiac output remain constant.
Therefore, if total peripheral resistance increased, MAP would increase as well. It's important to maintain a normal MAP, which typically ranges from 70-110 mm Hg, to prevent conditions such as ischemia and hypoxia, which can cause damage to sensitive organs like the brain if oxygen and blood flow are not quickly restored.