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The Curious Bag
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Pulse pressure is defined as the difference between the two blood pressure readings, systolic and diastolic. It is an important number because an increased value could signal potentially serious health issues.
Significance
According to the Mayo Clinic, an increased pulse pressure can be an indicator for heart issues, especially for older people.
Function
For most people, a normal blood pressure is 120/80, according to the Mayo Clinic. With a normal blood pressure, your pulse pressure is 40 mm of mercury (mm Hg).
Effects
A pulse pressure of 60 mm Hg is considered abnormal and you should consult with your doctor if yours is high.
Warning
The most common cause of an increased pulse pressure a stiff aorta. Your aorta loses elasticity if your blood pressure is high or if you have atherosclerosis, a build-up of fat in the arteries.
Considerations
Your pulse pressure can be elevated for other reasons. If you have severe anemia or thyroid disease, you could experience an elevated pulse pressure.
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