Widened Pulse Pressure

Systolic and a diastolic reading are the measurements of blood pressure. The systolic and diastolic readings are taken at opposite ends of the cardiac cycle and are a person’s highest and lowest blood pressure levels. These two extreme differences are called the pulse pressure, and represent the force that your heart generates each time it contracts. In a person systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg, the pulse pressure would be 40 mmHg. Some facts suggest that pulse pressure is a better forecaster of clinical outcome than the systolic or diastolic blood pressure alone. However, pulse pressure as a clinical predictor or diagnosis tool usage is complicated because the pulse pressure doesn’t provide unique information.

Pulse pressure in healthy adults in sitting position is about 40 mmHg. The pulse pressure increases with exercise due to increased stroke volume, healthy values being up to pulse pressures of about 100 mmHg, in healthy individuals the pulse pressure will typically return to normal within about 10 minutes. During exercise, the systolic pressure progressively increases while the diastolic remains about the same in most of individuals. In some athletes, the diastolic will progressively fall as the systolic increases. If the pulse pressure is genuinely low than 25 mmHg, the reason may be low stroke volume, as in Congestive Heart Failure and/or shock, a serious issue.

Human beings are made of complex system of nerves and arteries. There is a system of network of veins and blood vessels. It is indeed a blessing to stay healthy and fit in these times. So if we cannot under estimate any minor problem and consult the doctor immediately. If your pulse isn’t working properly then it should be your first preference to get yourself checked by the doctor and do according to his prescription.

There are different causes which make you suffer from widened pulse pressure some of these are as follow:

1. Atherosclerosis
2. Chronic aortic regurgitation
3. Thyrotoxicosis
4. Fever
5. Anaemia
6. Pregnancy
7. Anxiety
8. Patent ductus arteriosus
9. Heart block
10. Aortic dissection
11. Endocarditis
12. Raised intracranial pressure

So we should be aware of these causes and incase of any irregularity we have to consult to our doctor as soon as it is possible because if it would not cure properly and on time it can further causes different problems for you.