Relation of Arterial Pulse-Pressure to Arterio-Venous Oxygen Difference,Especially in Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Conclusions

1. Since pulse pressure × pulse rate × arteriovenous oxygen difference in the arms of different subjects roughly equals a constant, PP × PR is regarded as a fair index of blood flow entering the arm.

2. Since PP × PR is increased and A-V O₂ diff. is diminished in arterial hypertension and in certain anemias (in both of which total cardiac output is not increased), it follows that a larger proportion than normal of total blood flows through the arms (and possibly all limbs), i. e., in these two conditions peripheral vasoconstriction is less marked in the arms than in the splanchnic area.

3. In hyperthyroidism the points on the graph are moved to the right of the normal curve indicating an increased oxygen use in the arm. The fact that many cases involving increased cardiac work also move to the right show that the increased metabolism in these cases is not due to increased cardiac work alone, but takes place in the arms also and is possibly a general condition.

4. It is suggested that the pulse pressure serves as a rough but valuable indication of the reciprocally varying needs and blood supply of the viscera and muscular masses of the body.