Acute hypotension is the result of circulatory shock. This occurs as a result of increased TPR caused by partial blockage of blood vessels. The increased pressure damages arteries which leading atherosclerosis which aggravates the condition further. The increased pressure strains the heart and other organs, notably eyes and kidneys. It is a major cause of death due to heart failure, renal failure and stroke.
Blood flow is directed towards muscle and away from the gut and skin.
Both autoregulation and the autonomic nervous system contribute to this redirection of blood flow. Blood flow to muscle can increase by up to 10 fold during exercise. The increased blood flow to muscle decreases blood flow to baroreceptors. No transfer of blood from venous to arterial blood occurs during exercise, as venous return increases in direct proportion to cardiac output.