High pulse pressure as a marker of preclinical cardiovascular disease

Increasing attention has been focused on the pathophysiology and prognostic relevance of increased pulse pressure. High systolic pressure increases vascular load whereas low diastolic pressure reduces coronary perfusion presssure, both of which provide pathophysiological explanations for the prognostic value of pulse pressure. In a recent study we have demonstrated that in the presence of either normal or high peripheral resistance, brachial pulse pressure is associated with an increase in left ventricular mass and in arterial stiffness. As indicated in our study, a brachial pulse pressure over 63 mmHg represents a sign of established cardiovascular damage in the setting of arterial hypertension. Accordingly, we suggest elevated brachial pulse pressure should be considered a marker of established preclinical cardiovascular disease rather than a risk factor for the development of arterial disease.