What is narrowing pulse pressure

Other studies confirmed the link between high pulse pressure and erectile dysfunction [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. High pulse pressure may increase the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. In one study, pulse pressure at weeks was higher in expecting mothers who went on to develop preeclampsia [ 35 , 36 ].

A wide pulse pressure does not cause any symptoms by itself. Your symptoms will be related to the underlying cause. For example, you may experience symptoms of high blood pressure including [ 37 ]:. If you experience several of these symptoms, work with your doctor to determine what underlying condition is causing them and to develop an appropriate plan to improve your health.

Hardened arteries atherosclerosis are the most common cause of wide pulse pressure. As we age, the arteries become stiffer due to the buildup of fatty plaques and calcium. The stiffening is worsened by the loss of elastin, a protein that allows arteries to resume their shape after stretching [ 38 , 39 ]. An overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism can selectively lower diastolic blood pressure, resulting in wide pulse pressure [ 40 ].

The aortic valve allows blood to flow from the left chamber of the heart into the aorta, the largest artery in the body. As a result, blood flows back into the heart, which increases systolic and decreases diastolic blood pressure.

In turn, pulse pressure widens [ 1 ]. Severe anemia can cause wide pulse pressure by forcing the heart to beat faster and stronger to supply more oxygen to the body. This increases systolic and pulse pressures [ 39 ].

As men age, their testosterone levels often drop, which puts them at a higher risk of several health problems [ 41 ]. Older men with low testosterone hypogonadism have stiffer arteries , which can raise their pulse pressure and blood pressure.

Testosterone therapy as skin patches can improve the elasticity of their arteries, according to a study of 18 older men with low testosterone [ 41 ]. In one study on almost 1. In transgender men, testosterone replacement therapy raises systolic blood pressure more than diastolic blood pressure.

More research is needed to pinpoint the relationship between testosterone and blood pressure across different populations [ 43 ]. The following complementary strategies may also help as an add-on to your treatment regime. Discuss with your doctor if they may be helpful in your case. You can reduce your pulse pressure by [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]:. HIIT involves bursts of intense exercise followed by short rest periods.

Avoid strength training, though — it may have the opposite effect. Smoking stiffens the arteries and increases both blood pressure and pulse pressure, as seen in a study on over people [ 49 ]. If you have a wide pulse pressure, aim to reduce your intake of salt and other high-sodium foods. Sodium-rich foods and salt harden the arteries [ 50 , 51 ]. Heavy drinkers have higher pulse pressure than light drinkers, who have higher levels than nondrinkers, according to a study on almost k men [ 52 ].

Heavy drinking more than 3 drinks a day almost always raises systolic blood pressure more than diastolic blood pressure, thus raising pulse pressure increases [ 53 ].

Losing weight may help reduce your wide pulse pressure. Being overweight is directly linked to higher pulse pressure. Low values If the usual resting pulse pressure is measured as less than 40 mmHg, the most common reason is an error of measurement. High values If the usual resting pulse pressure is consistently greater than 40 mmHg, e. Relationship to heart disease Recent work suggests that a high pulse pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease.

Wide pulse pressure causes Overview Wide pulse pressure can result from a variety of causes, with anemia being the most common. Life Threatening Causes Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Pulse pressure not mean pressure determines cardiovascular risk in older hypertensive patients. Arch Intern Med Apr 24; 8 PMID Cardiovascular disease heart. Angina pectoris Prinzmetal's angina Stable angina Acute coronary syndrome Myocardial infarction Unstable angina.

Myocarditis Chagas disease Cardiomyopathy Dilated Alcoholic Hypertrophic Tachycardia-induced Restrictive Loeffler endocarditis Cardiac amyloidosis Endocardial fibroelastosis Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm Catecholaminergic polymorphic Torsades de pointes. Atrial Junctional Ventricular.

Atrial flutter Ventricular flutter Atrial fibrillation Familial Ventricular fibrillation. According to Thorin-Trescases et al. These same benefits were not seen with resistance training, such as bench press, as this decreases arterial compliance and increases the pulse pressure. In addition to aerobic exercise training, Rajkumar et al. There has also been some evidence that supports the notion that ACE inhibitors have beneficial arterial wall effects and may be of use.

Some patients drop to pulse pressure to 0 on standing. They are pulseless standing and many cannot stand which causes extremely high morbidity. Conventional non-prescription measures fail most of these patients. Current hypertension reviews. Clinical Medicine Insights. Advances in experimental medicine and biology.

Current hypertension reports. Strain characteristics and features of ocular infection of herpes simplex virus type 1 isolates. Physiology, Pulse Pressure.

Free Review Questions. Introduction Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Cellular Arteries are efferent vessels that lead away from the heart. Pathophysiology An increase in pulse pressure can occur in a well-conditioned endurance runner. Clinical Significance The research done by Blacher et al. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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What is pulse pressure? How important is pulse pressure to your overall health? Answer From Sheldon G. With Sheldon G. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Townsend RR. Increased pulse pressure.