Pulse pressure

A normal blood pressure measurement will include two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). Somebody’s systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure put on the arteries every time the heart contracts. Somebody’s diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure put on the arteries every time the heart relaxes. Pulse pressure measures the difference between these two values.
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For example, if somebody’s blood pressure was 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), their corresponding pulse pressure would be 40, which is the difference between 120 and 80. A normal pulse pressure value would be 40 mmHg.
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There are several factors that can affect somebody’s pulse pressure. Notably, your arteries become less flexible and stretchy with increased age. When the arteries are stiffer, somebody’s systolic blood pressure will go up while their diastolic blood pressure goes down. Thus, pulse pressures tend to increase with age. Additionally, conditions such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes can also affect pulse pressure.
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A large pulse pressure can be indicative of a greater problem in some cases. Individuals with a high pulse pressure may, for example, have atherosclerosis, or a narrow or leaky aortic valve. Other acute conditions such as inflammation or infection can also cause an increased pulse pressure. Additionally, high pulse pressures above 50 mmHg can increase someone’s risk for arrhythmias, stroke, and heart disease. Thus, it is important to monitor pulse pressures alongside other health markers.