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Calculate the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure
The top number in blood pressure reading
The bottom number in blood pressure reading
Pulse Pressure = Systolic - Diastolic
Pulse pressure is the difference between your systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) blood pressure readings. It represents the force that your heart generates each time it contracts. A normal pulse pressure is generally between 40 and 60 mmHg.
For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, your pulse pressure would be 120 - 80 = 40 mmHg, which is at the lower end of normal range.
Pulse pressure naturally increases with age due to arterial stiffening.
Physical activity temporarily increases pulse pressure as cardiac output rises.
Emotional stress and anxiety can cause temporary increases in pulse pressure.
A normal pulse pressure is typically between 40-60 mmHg. For example, with a blood pressure of 120/80, the pulse pressure would be 40 mmHg.
Consistently elevated pulse pressure (>60 mmHg) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, including heart attack and stroke, particularly in older adults.
Low pulse pressure (<40 mmHg) can be caused by conditions that reduce cardiac output such as heart failure, blood loss, severe dehydration, or aortic stenosis.
Managing overall cardiovascular health through regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight, and managing blood pressure can help maintain normal pulse pressure.