What is differential pulse pressure

The differential pressure between systolic and diastolic pressure is called the pulse pressure difference.

the normal value 40 mm Hg. Greater than 60 mm Hg is called excessive differential pressure, and less than 20 mm Hg is called too small a differential pressure. Whether the differential pressure value is too large or too small, there may be some kind of abnormal body changes.

What is the cause of a large blood pressure differential?

• 1. large blood pressure differential, mainly arterial valve closure insufficiency, aortic sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, severe anemia, rheumatic heart disease, some congenital heart disease with hypertensive heart disease, etc.  

• 2. hypertension and atherosclerosis, resulting in weakened arterial wall elasticity, increased systolic pressure, and decreased diastolic pressure.  

• 3. long-term hypertension, resulting in myocardial overload, resulting in heart enlargement, or arterial valve closure insufficiency.  

• 4. hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) or severe anemia.

A small pulse pressure difference is most often seen in patients in the early stages of hypertension.

Due to the increased sympathetic excitability of the patient, the whole body surface small blood vessel spasm, so that the systolic pressure is not high, the diastolic pressure is relatively high, the pulse pressure difference becomes small.

(1) Any factor that can affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure can affect the pulse pressure difference. When the output per beat increases, systolic blood pressure is high, while diastolic blood pressure changes less, increasing pulse pressure difference; conversely, when the output per beat decreases, systolic blood pressure decreases and pulse pressure difference decreases. Heart rate slows, diastolic ejection time is prolonged, less residual blood in the diastolic unartery, diastolic pressure decreases, and pulse pressure difference increases; conversely, when the heart rate is accelerated, diastolic pressure increases and pulse pressure difference decreases.

(2) Common diseases that cause large pulse pressure differences include aortic valve insufficiency, aortic sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, severe anemia, rheumatic heart disease, syphilitic heart disease, some congenital heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease, bacterial pericarditis, etc. Common diseases that cause a decrease in pulse pressure difference include massive pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, severe mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, severe heart failure, peripheral circulation failure, shock, as well as due to obesity, increased blood viscosity or combined with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc.

(3) Common pulse pressure difference is mostly caused by a decrease in systolic blood pressure (high pressure), of which there are physiological factors, but also pathological reasons. Of the former systolic blood pressure decline is mostly seen in the body wasting or weak, the latter category is seen in shock, myocardial infarction, cardiac insufficiency, pericardial tamponade, hyperalgesia, and other diseases. Other organic lesions that cause a decrease in pulse pressure difference include pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, severe mitral stenosis, and aortic stenosis.

(4) The treatment of excessive or small pulse pressure difference is mainly causative treatment. If the aortic closure insufficiency that causes excessive pulse pressure difference must rely on cardiac surgery to solve; treatment of small pulse pressure difference, such as heart failure should correct heart failure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes caused by the main take lipid, sugar and other treatment. When the pulse pressure difference is found to be significantly reduced, various organic lesions should be excluded first, such as after detailed examination, failed to find a clear cause, should be considered to belong to the physical blood pressure reduction (mainly refers to systolic blood pressure), the treatment of physical hypotension, in addition to strengthening physical strength, appropriate nutrition, but also to prevent dizziness when upright, or fall. Drugs can be used to regulate the role of plant nerve function of glutamate, vitamins, etc. The phenomenon of small pulse pressure difference without discomfort does not need to be overly concerned, because it will not have much impact on health.

As seen above, a pulse pressure difference, whether too large or too small, indicates the presence of an underlying disease. If you once find your pulse pressure difference is normal, should enhance self-care awareness, prevention before it is too late: regular review of blood pressure, find problems in time to correct, to achieve regular life, normal living, pay attention to diet, active exercise, adhere to medication, find ways to control blood pressure within the more desirable range.