When blood is forced into the aorta from the left ventricle during systole, a pressure wave is set up in the aorta which is called the pulse. Some features of the pulse are proposed in the following statements:

A. The rate of travel of the pulse wave is lower than the velocity of blood flow in arteries.
B. The pulse wave moves slower with advancing age as the arteries become more rigid.
C. The pulse wave is strong when the stroke volume is large, as in exercise.
D. The strength of the pulse depends on the magnitude of pulse pressure and not on the mean arterial pressure.

Which one of the following options represents the combination of correct statements?

Correct option is C

Statement A: Incorrect

• Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is typically much higher than the velocity of blood flow.

• For example, while blood flow velocity in the aorta is around 0.3–0.5 m/s, pulse wave velocity in healthy adults ranges from 5–12 m/s.

• Therefore, the statement "pulse wave velocity is lower than blood flow velocity" is false.

Statement B: Incorrect

• This statement is factually incorrect.

• Pulse wave velocity increases with aging due to increased arterial stiffness.

• Rigid arteries conduct the pressure wave faster, not slower.

• Thus, the statement contradicts established cardiovascular physiology.

Statement C: Correct

• During exercise, stroke volume increases.

• A larger stroke volume causes greater arterial expansion, making the pulse wave stronger.

• This is a true physiological observation.

Statement D: Correct

• Pulse pressure = systolic pressure – diastolic pressure.

• Strength of the pulse felt is determined by the pulse pressure, not the mean arterial pressure (MAP).

• MAP is relevant for tissue perfusion, not for pulse amplitude.

• So, this is a correct statement.

Information Booster:

• Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV): Indicator of arterial stiffness. Increases with age, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

• Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP): Reflects average blood pressure during a cardiac cycle, crucial for organ perfusion.

• Pulse Strength: Felt during palpation, is proportional to pulse pressure, not MAP.