Blood pressure regulation: every adaptation is an integration?

Blood pressure regulation: every adaptation is an integration? Michael J. Joyner • Jacqueline K. Limberg. Eur J Appl Physiol 2013 Apr 5. [Epub ahead of print] DOI 10.1007/s00421-013-2636-5. This is the first in a series of review articles examining blood pressure regulation from a number of different viewpoints. This one in particular explores how we view "normal" blood pressure and the misconception that it is always supposed to 120/80. In other words, "normal" blood pressure varies throughout the day, under a variety of conditions, both physiological and pathophysiological. A number of helpful examples are used including acute exercise, resumption of normal upright posture, and sleep. The other interesting question addressed in this review is whether it is blood pressure per se that is the regulated variable. Rather, the authors ask the reader to consider the possibility that it is not blood pressure that is regulated but delivery of oxygen. The classic example is when we sleep, our heart rate and brain activity lowers relative to the awake state and thus oxygen demand is lowered. Blood pressure also goes down because the heart and brain don't require as much oxygen delivery. So in this case it's not blood pressure that's being maintained it's oxygen delivery. I think this a really good article to read to keep us open-minded about the concepts we take for granted. ~PJM