Atherosclerosis causes elastic arteries to become less stretchy. How does this affect pulse pressure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis causes elastic arteries to become less stretchy, which leads to a reduction in the ability of these arteries to expand during systole and recoil during diastole. This results in an increase in pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures) as more blood is forced into the arterial system during systole and less blood is able to flow through during diastole. Therefore, the correct answer is E, as pulse pressure is chronically increased in individuals with atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis Causes Elastic Arteries to Become Less Stretchy