In: Biology
1- What is the primary cause of the low velocity of blood flow in capillaries?
2- What cause the following: Atherosclerosis, Heart Attacks, Hypertension and Stroke.
Ans-1) The total cross-sectional area of capillaries is large. Besides, there are extensive branching of capillary beds. These two are the main causes of the low velocity of blood flow in capillaries.
Ans-2) The causes of the following are explained as under-:
a) Atherosclerosis- It is caused due to smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress and high blood glucose levels. This condition causes damage to the endothelium by building up of plaque in the artery wall.
b) Heart attacks- When one or more coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to deposition of substances like cholesterol, heart attacks occur.
c) Hypertension- Hypertension is caused due to certain bad habits like consumption of alcohol and smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, large intake of salt in the diet, stress,chronic kidney disease etc.
d) Stroke- This condition is caused due to ischemia ( loss of blood supply) or hemorrhage (bleeding) in the brain. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol etc are at high risk for stroke.