WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY PULSE PRESSURE AND WHAT SHOULD YOURS BE?

The difference between the systolic and diastolic numbers - the upper and lower numbers of your blood pressure is known as pulse pressure. According to doctors, it is an indicator of health problems before you develop any symptoms. While pulse pressure varies from one person to another, having a pulse pressure that is too wide or too narrow can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

If your blood pressure levels are elevated, you may be at risk for hypertension or high blood pressure. On the other hand, if the readings are too low, you may have hypotension, or low blood pressure, which leads to dizziness, blurry vision, and weakness. Doctors say in many cases, very low blood pressure happens due to infections, blood loss, and anaphylaxis.

According to the American Heart Association, pulse pressure indicates a few problems with your heart, like leaking in your arteries or heart failure. Several studies have also shown that having a wide pulse pressure can increase your risk of heart disease.

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What is an ideal pulse pressure?

Experts say that an ideal pulse pressure is around 40 mmHg - which can vary according to an individual. However, it is important to know what makes the pulse pressure wide or narrow.

A wide pulse pressure occurs when your pulse pressure is more than 60 mmHg. Suppose your blood pressure reading shows 145/80 mmHg, it indicates a wide pulse pressure. Your pulse pressure may be narrow if your pulse pressure measurement is less than 25 per cent of your systolic blood pressure.

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Doctors say wider pulse pressures happen in very active people like long-distance runners, and those who exercise frequently. It happens because their heart pumps more blood and their arteries are healthy and more flexible. However, apart from that, the wider pulse can be caused by to:

Atherosclerosis

It leads to stiffening of your arteries when a plaque build-up in the blood vessels happens. Stiffened arteries can lead to an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Aortic regurgitation

It causes a leak in one of your heart's valves which stops blood from pumping backward into the heart from the aorta. This condition causes a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

On the other hand, narrow pulse pressure is mostly caused due to low cardiac output, which includes:

Heart failure

When your heart is not able to pump enough blood effectively to sustain your body's needs.

Aortic stenosis

This condition occurs when the blood vessels between your heart and aorta become narrow.

Ways to manage your pulse pressure

It is important to manage your pulse pressure because if it goes higher, it means your heart is working hard to pump and your arteries are less flexible. It increases the risk of heart problems – especially a heart attack or stroke.

And so, a few ways you can manage it are:

Get regular checkups done

If your blood pressure remains high, it is important to note it frequently and get treated for it

Healthy diet

A diet that is low in salt can help you manage your blood pressure

Exercise

It is important to indulge in regular physical activity, which is good for your heart and blood circulation.

Quit alcohol

It is important to quit drinking alcohol as it can lead to high blood pressure.

No smoking

Apart from alcohol, smoking is another habit you must cease as it causes heart issues, apart from other diseases and conditions.

2024-05-05T08:10:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd