What happens to pulse pressure as a person ages?

As a person ages, pulse pressure typically increases. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. In older adults, several physiological changes occur, including stiffening of large arteries, which can lead to higher systolic blood pressure while diastolic pressure may not rise proportionately. This results in an increased pulse pressure.

The age-related increases in pulse pressure can be attributed to various factors such as vascular calcification and loss of elasticity in the arterial walls, which are common in older individuals. Understanding this trend is important in assessing cardiovascular health in geriatric populations, as an elevated pulse pressure may indicate increased risk for cardiovascular events.