Pulsatile Sensations: Should You Worry About Vascular Health?

Feeling the pulse throughout the body?

Hello Doctor, I am 19 years old.
About five years ago, I experienced a significant amount of stress due to an event, and since then, I have felt pulsations throughout my body while at rest, especially during compression (for example, when measuring blood pressure or lying down against a pillow, I can feel the arteries in my head pulsating).
Additionally, when I bend over, I experience immediate congestion in my head, causing discomfort.
My blood pressure is approximately 130/70.
These symptoms fluctuate, particularly becoming more pronounced when I am anxious; during these times, my blood pressure also spikes, leading to discomfort, as well as occasional headaches and dizziness.
Over the past five years, I have visited hospitals such as Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and after undergoing tests like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, no significant issues were found.
I have since neglected these symptoms.
Recently, I came across reports suggesting that a large pulse pressure could indicate arterial stiffness.
My pulse pressure has consistently been around 50 to 70.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor if I need to undergo vascular examinations (as I have not had any vascular tests done before).
I am inquiring because of the aforementioned pulsation symptoms and the pulse pressure issue.
Could it be that neglecting my blood pressure for five years has led to arterial stiffness, potentially resulting in a vascular malformation in my head?

Cai Xiansheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/04

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology

Hello, regarding your inquiry about "feeling the pulse throughout the body," it is normal for individuals to occasionally experience palpitations in certain situations.
If previous non-invasive tests conducted at various hospitals have shown no abnormalities, I recommend engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise.
If there are no specific symptoms, you can rest assured.
Regularly monitor your blood pressure; it may be slightly elevated, but there is no need for medication intervention at this time.
Misinterpreting subjective symptoms as specific conditions can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Consulting with your trusted family physician may be a better solution.
The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/08/04

More Info

Understanding pulsatile sensations and their implications for vascular health can be quite concerning, especially for someone as young as 19. Your experience of feeling a pulsing sensation throughout your body, particularly when at rest or under pressure, raises several important points to consider regarding your vascular health.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that pulsatile sensations can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, stress, and even the body's normal physiological responses. Given your history of significant stress five years ago, it is possible that your symptoms are related to heightened anxiety levels, which can lead to increased awareness of bodily sensations, including the pulse. When you are in a relaxed state, your blood vessels may dilate, and when you are under stress, they can constrict, leading to fluctuations in blood flow that you may perceive as pulsations.

Your blood pressure readings of around 130/70 mmHg are generally considered within the normal range for a young adult, although the systolic pressure (130 mmHg) is on the higher side of normal. The pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, is around 60 mmHg in your case. A pulse pressure of 50-70 mmHg can be considered wide, but it is not uncommon in younger individuals and does not necessarily indicate arterial stiffness or atherosclerosis, especially if you have normal results from previous cardiovascular assessments, including echocardiograms and electrocardiograms.

The concern about arterial stiffness or atherosclerosis typically arises in older adults or those with risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of cardiovascular disease. At 19, without any of these risk factors, it is less likely that you would have significant arterial hardening. However, if you are experiencing symptoms like headaches and dizziness, particularly when bending over or during episodes of anxiety, it may be worth exploring further.

Regarding your question about vascular examinations, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your situation more comprehensively. They may recommend tests such as a Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in your arteries or other imaging studies if deemed necessary. These tests can help rule out any vascular abnormalities, including the possibility of aneurysms, although these are rare in young individuals without significant risk factors.

In the meantime, managing your stress and anxiety levels can be beneficial. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can support your vascular health and overall well-being.

In summary, while your symptoms warrant attention, they are not necessarily indicative of severe vascular issues, especially given your age and previous normal test results. However, continued monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure your vascular health remains a priority. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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