Patient/caregiver was instructed upon the role of alpha receptors in blood pressure regulation as follows:

1. Norepinephrine stimulates the alpha-1 receptors in the peripheral arteries, resulting in constriction or narrowing of blood vessels.  Narrowing of the blood vessels result in increased peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
2. Alpha-2 receptors are located in the medulla of brain and in the smooth muscle of peripheral arteries.
3. Stimulation of alpha-2 receptors in the brain result in reduced norepinephrine release, consequently leading to reduced stimulation of alpha-1 receptors by norepinephrine.
4. Reduced alpha-1 receptor stimulation by norepinephrine leads to reduced vasoconstriction and peripheral resistance, thus contributing to lowering blood pressure.
5. This lowering of blood pressure contributes to reduced work load on the heart and better blood supply to the end organs, such as, heart, brain, and kidney.