Systemic hypertension may be caused by

A. False  This constricts blood vessels in the lungs causing pulmonary hypertension but dilates systemic vessels.

B. True  Salt and water retention by the kidneys expands ECF and hence blood volume and cardiac output.

C. True The resulting secretion of cortisol also causes salt and water retention.

D. False This is a consequence of hypertension, not a cause.

E. False This ineffective pumping in ventricular fibrillation causes severe hypotension.