{"id":3259,"date":"2022-12-01T18:36:52","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T18:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.theemtspot.com\/?p=3259"},"modified":"2026-04-11T19:54:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T19:54:12","slug":"wide-pulse-pressure-definition-symptoms-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wide-pulse-pressure-definition-symptoms-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Wide Pulse Pressure: Definition, Symptoms, Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size\"><strong>Quick Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"--ek-bullet-color:#ea4474\" class=\"wp-block-list is-style-connected has-list-bullet-color\">\n<li>Subtracting systolic from diastolic blood pressure gives you your pulse pressure. Any number above 40 mm Hg indicates wide pulse pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wide pulse pressure is a serious indicator of underlying cardiovascular diseases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On its own, there are no physical symptoms of wide pulse pressure. But, when paired with high blood pressure or left untreated, patients have reported several symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/blood-pressure\/systolic-vs-diastolic\/\" class=\"ek-link\">diastolic and systolic blood pressure<\/a><\/em> is known as <strong>pulse pressure<\/strong>. Systolic blood pressure tells you how much <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/blood-pressure\/map\/\" class=\"ek-link\">arterial pressure<\/a> is exerted during heartbeats, while diastolic pressure is measured between heartbeats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your blood pressure measures 125\/85 mm Hg, your pulse pressure would be 40 mm Hg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doctors use this reading to understand <strong>heart health.<\/strong> Abnormally high or low pulse pressure could indicate <strong>heart or aging-related problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As stated in a clinical review in the Journal of Clinical hypertension:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWide pulse pressure is a sign of deteriorating cardiovascular health and carries an increased risk for mortality, disease progression, and adverse clinical outcomes in chronic diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>normal range<\/em> for pulse pressure is <strong>40 to 60 mm Hg<\/strong>; anything above this indicates wide pulse pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to find out what wide pulse pressure could say about your health and how to identify its symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"rtex-highlighter-1\">What Is Meant By Wide Pulse Pressure?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wide pulse pressure means a significant gap exists between the two <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/blood-pressure\/readings\/\" class=\"ek-link\">blood pressure readings<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wide pulse pressure is a common <em>symptom of arterial stiffness<\/em>. Even slight elevations in pulse pressure above 40 mm Hg can put your <em>heart and vascular system at risk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People who don\u2019t exercise and have wide pulse pressure are at a greater risk for severe health conditions<strong>, arrhythmias, and stroke<\/strong> in the long run. Even though wide pulse pressures are seen in active people, this is not considered a problem because their hearts and arteries are <em>healthier<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has also found a link between <strong>high pulse pressure and kidney or eye damage<\/strong> caused by disorders like diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, wide pulse pressure can be highly hazardous when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/blood-pressure\/hypertension\/\" class=\"ek-link\">paired with hypertension<\/a>. For instance, having a blood pressure reading of 180\/120 mm Hg poses a greater risk than 140\/80 mm Hg, although they have the same pulse pressure of 60 mm Hg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, maintaining a healthy lifestyle complimented with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/blood-pressure\/supplements\/\" class=\"ek-link\">supplements to regulate blood pressure<\/a> can reduce the dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"rtex-highlighter-1\">Symptoms Of Wide Pulse Pressure<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When present on its own, wide pulse pressure doesn&#8217;t cause symptoms. However, if left untreated, you may notice the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"--ek-bullet-color:#ea4474\" class=\"wp-block-list has-list-bullet-color\">\n<li>Swelling in ankles or feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breathing difficulty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fainting and dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Palpitations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the <strong>underlying cause of your wide pulse pressure<\/strong>, the symptoms you experience may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"rtex-highlighter-1\">Causes Of Wide Pulse Pressure<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A structural or functional change in your heart usually causes wide pulse pressure. Possible reasons include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.&nbsp;Aortic stiffening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As oxygenated blood is pumped throughout your body, the <strong>aorta<\/strong> might get damaged due to fatty deposits or high blood pressure. This results in high pulse pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.&nbsp;Valve regurgitation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If blood flows in the wrong direction through your valves, the volume of blood pumping goes down significantly. Consequently, this forces your heart to work harder, so organs and cells receive sufficient blood for function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.Hyperthyroidism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When our thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine hormones, natural processes like heartbeat rhythm and metabolism are disrupted. <strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;Anemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iron deficiency-caused anemia drastically reduces hemoglobin cell counts in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, having a wide pulse pressure raises the <strong>risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 23%<\/strong>. This is a condition when the upper chambers of your heart flutter instead of beating forcefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wide pulse pressure is also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/does-blood-pressure-change-during-a-heart-attack\/\" class=\"ek-link\">connected with heart attacks<\/a> and coronary artery disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"rtex-highlighter-1\">In Short&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are experiencing wide pulse pressure, it&#8217;s likely because your heart is performing less efficiently than average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With frequent monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and medication, wide pulse pressure can be easily controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if your pulse pressure is significantly higher than expected or frequently wide, you should consult a doctor to determine what&#8217;s causing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio gb-layout-columns-1 gb-1-col-equal gb-has-background-dim gb-has-background-dim-30 gb-has-custom-background-color has-black-color gb-columns-center alignwide\" style=\"padding-top:3em;padding-right:1em;padding-bottom:3em;padding-left:1em;background-color:#ffeaf0;background-position:50% 52%\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-3 gb-is-responsive-column\" style=\"max-width:872px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:28px\">More on this topic on TheEMTSpot\u2019s PODCAST (Episode 46) hosted by Samuel Harrison and Olivia Harper \u2013 click &#8216;PLAY&#8217; below to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Wide Pulse Pressure Affects Your Heart | TheEMTSpot&#039;s PODCAST (EP. 46)\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y4xjWKkthAU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\r\n\t\t\t<div id=\"daexthefu-container\"\r\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"daexthefu-container daexthefu-layout-side-by-side daexthefu-alignment-left\"\r\n\t\t\t\tdata-post-id=\"3259\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-feedback\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-text\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"daexthefu-title\">Was this helpful?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-buttons-container\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-buttons\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-yes daexthefu-button daexthefu-button-type-text\" data-value=\"1\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-button-text\">Yes<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-no daexthefu-button daexthefu-button-type-text\" data-value=\"0\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-button-text\">No<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-comment\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-comment-top-container\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<label id=\"daexthefu-comment-label\" class=\"daexthefu-comment-label\"><\/label>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-comment-character-counter-container\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"daexthefu-comment-character-counter-number\"\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"daexthefu-comment-character-counter-number\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-comment-character-counter-text\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<textarea id=\"daexthefu-comment-textarea\" class=\"daexthefu-comment-textarea\"\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tplaceholder=\"Type your message\"\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxlength=\"\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"><\/textarea>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-comment-buttons-container\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"daexthefu-comment-submit daexthefu-button\">Submit<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"daexthefu-comment-cancel daexthefu-button\">Cancel<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"daexthefu-successful-submission-text\">Thanks for your feedback!<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wide pulse pressure can indicate severe underlying conditions like heart failure. But what does the term mean, and what causes it? Keep reading to find out.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_helpful_status":1,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blood-pressure"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3259"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":538606,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3259\/revisions\/538606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}