How does arterial stiffness in aging affect SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure readings?

How does arterial stiffness in aging affect SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure readings?

• A. SBP rises, DBP falls, and pulse pressure narrows
• B. SBP falls, DBP rises, and pulse pressure narrows
• C. SBP rises, DBP may fall or rise, and pulse pressure widens
• D. SBP and DBP remain unchanged, pulse pressure unchanged

Answer: (C)

Arterial stiffness with aging reduces the elastic cushioning of the large arteries. When the heart ejects blood into these stiffer vessels, systolic pressure tends to rise because the arteries can’t expand as much to absorb the pressure wave. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, may fall due to the diminished elastic recoil during diastole, though it can also rise if peripheral vascular resistance increases. The net effect is a wider pulse pressure, since the difference between the higher systolic and the variable diastolic pressure grows. This explains why isolated systolic hypertension and a broad pulse pressure are common findings in older adults.

Arterial stiffness with aging reduces the elastic cushioning of the large arteries. When the heart ejects blood into these stiffer vessels, systolic pressure tends to rise because the arteries can’t expand as much to absorb the pressure wave. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, may fall due to the diminished elastic recoil during diastole, though it can also rise if peripheral vascular resistance increases. The net effect is a wider pulse pressure, since the difference between the higher systolic and the variable diastolic pressure grows. This explains why isolated systolic hypertension and a broad pulse pressure are common findings in older adults.