Pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, representing the force the heart generates with each beat. For example, in a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 40 mm Hg, which is considered normal. While pulse pressure can provide insights into cardiovascular health, it should not be viewed in isolation, as an elevated pulse pressure often parallels an increase in systolic pressure rather than indicating overall heart health. Additionally, pulse pressure can vary with age; typically, systolic pressure rises and diastolic pressure decreases, leading to an increased pulse pressure in older adults. A widened pulse pressure—over 40 mm Hg—can be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular issues, particularly in certain populations such as men and those with diabetes. Conversely, low pulse pressure, defined as below 40 mm Hg, may signal serious health concerns like poor heart function or shock. Addressing abnormal pulse pressure usually involves treating underlying health conditions and may include lifestyle modifications and medication to manage blood pressure effectively. Understanding pulse pressure is important for monitoring heart health, but it is essential to consider it alongside other health indicators.
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Pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is the difference between a person's systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure, the top number in blood pressure, is the pressure exerted by the heart when it beats. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. If a person's blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), the pulse pressure is 40 mm HG. A normal pulse pressure reading is 40. Low or high pulse pressure can be indicative of certain negative health conditions, such as heart disease, but it is not the sole determinate of overall health.
Overview
Because pulse pressure is calculated from systolic and diastolic blood pressure, it does not provide an accurate reading of overall health on its own. For example, elevated pulse pressure is the same thing as elevated systolic blood pressure. It also does not mean a person with a normal pulse pressure reading has normal blood pressure. For example, a person with blood pressure of 140/100 has a pulse pressure of 40, which is identical to an individual with blood pressure of 120/80. While the pulse pressure is the same for both people, the blood pressure reading is not, which means the two people would not have the same health risks. This means pulse pressure alone cannot be used to determine an individual's health. In addition, high pulse pressure, also called wide or widened pulse pressure, has been associated with cases of artery damage and elevated stress on the left ventricle of the heart.
As people age, their systolic blood pressure increases mostly because the large arteries in the body begin to stiffen. The aorta, the main artery in the body, is especially susceptible to hardening. Diastolic pressure increases until a person reaches about fifty years old. After this time, it lowers. This decrease is caused by the stiffening of the arteries, which slows blood flow. The increase in systolic and decrease in diastolic pressure causes pulse pressure to increase as a person ages. For example, a twenty-five-year-old may have a blood pressure of 130/90 and a pulse pressure of 40. When this individual reaches age ninety, his blood pressure may be 160/75, making his pulse pressure 85.
Widened pulse pressure is pulse pressure higher than 40. Pulse pressure higher than 60 can put certain people, especially men, at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Sometimes health conditions—such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), anemia (low iron), and a leaky aortic valve—can lead to a widened pulse pressure. Patients with diabetes and a widened pulse pressure (sometimes not even as high as 60) are at an increased risk for heart attack. People with high pulse pressure should take efforts to reduce their systolic pressure, which decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart problems. Some treatments include stress reduction, diet and lifestyle changes, and medication.
While not as common, low pulse pressure, also known as narrow or narrowed pulse pressure, is pulse pressure under 40. It can be an indicator of several health problems, such as poor heart function, congestive heart failure, shock, and more. Once the underlying medical issue is treated, pulse pressure usually returns to normal. Persistent low pulse pressure usually is treated in the same way as high pulse pressure.
Bibliography
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