Why does blood pressure increase in atherosclerosis even if cardiac output remains constant?

💡 Explanation

In atherosclerosis, plaque buildup stiffens arterial walls, reducing compliance. Because the arterial vessel walls become less elastic, the same volume of blood ejected by the heart causes a greater increase in pressure; therefore, blood pressure rises even without changes in cardiac output, rather than due to changes in venous return or myocardial contractility.

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