Multiple choice

What would be the effect on systolic pressure, if the walls of arteries are rigid and less elastic?

  1. No effect on systolic pressure

  2. Higher systolic pressure

  3. Lower systolic pressure

  4. Higher diastolic pressure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Arterial elasticity normally dampens pressure fluctuations during cardiac cycle. When arteries become rigid (arteriosclerosis), they cannot expand during systole, causing systolic pressure to rise significantly. This explains isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients. Diastolic pressure may actually decrease due to reduced arterial recoil.

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