Pulse pressure is a marker of stiffness within the body’s arteries.
It also explores the role of high pulse pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in certain populations.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Likewise, if the blood pressure is 135/85 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 50 mm Hg.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to vital organs.
Elastic arteries are large arteries that are uniquely flexible in structure.
Normal Pulse Pressure
There is no formal definition for a “normal” pulse pressure.
Atherosclerosiscan also lead to increased arterial stiffening.
With this chronic condition,plaqueaccumulates within the arteries' walls.
Plaque is comprised of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and a clotting substance called fibrin.
A medical history and physical exam can assess overall health.
At present, measuring pulse pressure is most useful in adults over 60 years of age.
Research has also found the same to be true for people with resistant hypertension.
What Is Resistant Hypertension?
Treatment Plan
It’s unclear whether medications used to treat high blood pressure improve pulse pressure.
Treating Low Pulse Pressure
Treatment of low or narrow pulse pressure entails managing the underlying condition.
For example, blood transfusions are given to those with trauma-induced blood loss.
Summary
Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure.
High pulse pressure (when the arteries are stiffer than they should be) occurs naturally with age.
Pulse pressure is used mainly as a research tool.
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