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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is Pulse Pressure ?

I am a 26 year old male who has been on high blood pressure medication (enalipril 20mg) for about 5 years. Lately I have taken in interest in really controlling my BP so I have monitored it multiple times daily and often have readings such as 134/69 and 127/72(not bad readings). I have really been working hard at exercising and dieting and having a much longer happier balanced life. The problem I am having now is coming across a new term ( pulse pressure ) not pulse rate. They say that if you take your systolic and subtract your diastolic you get your pulse pressure and that it should be in the 40 range or it could be a sign of stiffening arteries. Could anyone tell me if I should be concerned with this or if the result of these recurring high pulse pressures are not significant. I averaged out 14 BP readings over the course of 4 days and the average PP is mid 50s, should I be worried?
Sat, 11 Jun 2011
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello brett;
welcome to HealthcareMagic
Untreated high BP can cause damage to the arteries but as you are on medicines the BP of 134/69 and 127/72 are perfectly normal and you can relax and say that your BP is controlled.The term pulse pressure does not carry much importance so do not get confused or stressed.It is the BP of a patient which is measured and not the pulse pressure.The normal pulse pressure of 40 is fine but in normal individuals and not hypertensives;as you may be hypertensive due to some internal problem looking at your age so please do not worry about your pulse pressure and take regular medicines for your high BP and you will be fine life long.
Thanks
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What Is Pulse Pressure ?

Hello brett; welcome to HealthcareMagic Untreated high BP can cause damage to the arteries but as you are on medicines the BP of 134/69 and 127/72 are perfectly normal and you can relax and say that your BP is controlled.The term pulse pressure does not carry much importance so do not get confused or stressed.It is the BP of a patient which is measured and not the pulse pressure.The normal pulse pressure of 40 is fine but in normal individuals and not hypertensives;as you may be hypertensive due to some internal problem looking at your age so please do not worry about your pulse pressure and take regular medicines for your high BP and you will be fine life long. Thanks