The Effect of Pulse Pressure on Arterial Wall Permeability and Stiffness

Artery pulse pressure has been increasingly studied as a factor that can predict overall health. In people younger than 50 the mean pressure tends to increase with age while the pulse pressure remains constant; however, in patients older than 50 the systolic pressure continues to increase while the diastolic pressure starts to decrease resulting in a widened pulse pressure [1]. Stiffening of the artery wall and changes in the ejection fraction from the heart both alter the pulse pressure. Decreases in pulse pressure can also be caused by disease, but mostly this change is caused by the use of steady flow left ventricular assist devices or cardio pulmonary bypass machines [2]. These changes in pulse pressure affect the flow of blood throughout the body and can have effects on the function of organs outside of the cardiovascular system. However the immediate effects of these changes in pulse pressure are not well understood. This study examines the changes in the mechanical properties of the artery wall, arterial permeability and protein levels that occur immediately after a change in pulse pressure.