Why is blood pressure generally higher in more distal arteries?
Answer
Because of reflected pressure waves and the stiffness of the blood vessel. The forward pressure wave from the heart travels much faster than the blood itself and is reflected at areas of tapering and branching. This backward wave slows the forward flow of blood, and at the same time, when it meets the next forward pressure wave, that forward pressure wave is augmented...so higher pressures distally...And now you know, and knowing is half the battle...
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