Final answer:
In a patient with essential hypertension, alterations observed include an increased SVR, increased sympathetic tone, a narrower cerebral autoregulation range, and potentially an increased or normal cardiac output.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a patient with essential hypertension, several alterations can be observed:
- SVR (Systemic Vascular Resistance): SVR is typically increased in patients with essential hypertension. Increased SVR means that there is increased resistance to blood flow in the peripheral arteries, which leads to elevated blood pressure.
- Sympathetic Tone: Sympathetic tone is also often increased in patients with hypertension. The sympathetic nervous system plays a role in regulating blood pressure and an overactive sympathetic system can result in increased vasoconstriction and higher blood pressure.
- Cerebral Autoregulation Range: Cerebral autoregulation refers to the ability of the brain's blood vessels to maintain a constant blood flow despite changes in blood pressure. In patients with hypertension, the autoregulation range may be narrower, meaning that the brain may struggle to maintain adequate blood flow if blood pressure fluctuates outside of the normal range.
- Cardiac Output: Cardiac output may be increased or normal in patients with essential hypertension. This is because the heart may need to pump harder to overcome the increased systemic vascular resistance and maintain adequate blood flow.