Atherosclerosis causes elastic arteries to become less stretchy. How does this affect pulse pressure?

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Study for the Aandamp;P Blood Vessels Test. Use detailed quizzes with multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Boost your understanding for your exam day!

Multiple Choice

Atherosclerosis causes elastic arteries to become less stretchy. How does this affect pulse pressure?

Explanation:
When elastic arteries lose their stretch, the windkessel effect that smooths blood pressure is reduced. A stiffer aorta and large arteries can’t recoil as well to maintain pressure during diastole, so systolic pressure tends to rise while diastolic pressure may fall or not increase as much. Since pulse pressure = systolic minus diastolic, this combination broadens the gap between the two, making pulse pressure chronically increased. In other words, arterial stiffness from atherosclerosis leads to a widened pulse pressure, not a decreased or unchanged one.

When elastic arteries lose their stretch, the windkessel effect that smooths blood pressure is reduced. A stiffer aorta and large arteries can’t recoil as well to maintain pressure during diastole, so systolic pressure tends to rise while diastolic pressure may fall or not increase as much. Since pulse pressure = systolic minus diastolic, this combination broadens the gap between the two, making pulse pressure chronically increased. In other words, arterial stiffness from atherosclerosis leads to a widened pulse pressure, not a decreased or unchanged one.

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