Final answer:
Inhalational agents can cause vasodilation, leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). They can also have variable effects on cardiac output (CO), which can affect mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Step-by-step explanation:
Inhalational agents have a two-fold effect on systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the body. Firstly, most inhalational agents cause vasodilation, which leads to a decrease in SVR. This occurs due to the relaxation of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, resulting in the widening of the vessel lumen. As a result, the resistance to blood flow decreases, causing a decrease in SVR.
Secondly, inhalational agents can also have an effect on cardiac output (CO), which is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Some inhalational agents may increase CO due to their positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart. An increase in CO can lead to an increase in blood pressure, thus affecting MAP.
However, it's important to note that the specific effects of inhalational agents on SVR and MAP may vary depending on the individual and the specific agent used.