Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure, which is generally shown as two numbers that represent your blood pressure (for example, 120/80). The top number (the larger value) is the systolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart sends blood when it contracts (a heartbeat). The lower number (which is the smaller value) is the diastolic pressure, and represents the pressure in the arteries between contractions (between heartbeats). This measurement helps determine if you have cardiovascular and heart problems, such as a stroke. Pulse pressure is determined from two values (systolic and diastolic values) that are measured when blood pressure is taken, which is then found for the difference between the two numbers.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Measuring Blood Pressure
Step 1. Measure your blood pressure
Traditional blood pressure measurements can be done with blood pressure measuring devices, stethoscopes, and analog sphygmomanometers. Using these tools requires practice, instruction and experience. Some people go to the pharmacy to measure their blood pressure using an automatic measuring machine.
- When buying a home blood pressure monitor, make sure the cuff (which fits on the arm) fits tightly in the hand, the monitor is easy to read, and is affordable. Many insurance products can help you buy this tool. Most of these tools work automatically. You simply attach the cuff, press start and wait for the results to be displayed.
- Stay away from sugar, caffeine, and excess stress before measuring blood pressure. These three things will increase blood pressure so that the results are not accurate.
- If you still want to measure your blood pressure at home, do it three times in a row to make sure the results are correct. Make sure you are sitting comfortably, relaxed, and the arm being measured is at or near heart level.
- Remember that all machines need to be calibrated. To determine the accuracy of your device, check with your doctor's clinic once a year and compare the results with the doctor's measuring instrument.
Step 2. Record your diastolic and systolic numbers
For example, your blood pressure reading is 110/68. Record this number in a notebook or cell phone so you can track changes in your blood pressure.
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, so it's also a good idea to measure it throughout the day (take it for two or three weeks for accurate results) and average the results
Step 3. Subtract the systolic number from the diastolic number to get your pulse pressure
In the example, subtract 110 by 68 so that your pulse pressure is 110 – 68 = 42.
Part 2 of 2: Interpreting Measurement Results
Step 1. See if your pulse pressure results are within a safe range
Although people have slightly different pulse pressures due to differences in age and sex, the medical world has established a generally accepted basic scale.
40 mmHg, pulse pressure with the number 40 means normal, while 40 to 60 is in the healthy range
Step 2. See a doctor if your pulse pressure exceeds 60 mmHg
Pulse pressure in excess of 60 is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular conditions such as stroke, and common cardiovascular problems such as hypertension. Very high pulse pressure can mean your heart valves are not functioning normally to prevent backflow of blood and your heart is not pumping blood forward effectively (valve regurgitation).
- Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when the blood pressure rises above 140 and the diastolic pressure remains relatively the same (below 90 mmHg). There are many medications that doctors can prescribe to treat this condition.
- Physical and emotional stress often causes a significant increase in pulse pressure. Stress can increase pulse pressure significantly.
Step 3. Call your doctor if the pulse pressure is below 40 mmHg
A pulse pressure below 40 can indicate a heart that is not functioning properly. There are many things that could be causing this problem.
- Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve has problems due to backflow of blood into the left ventricle. This will reduce the diastolic pressure. If you have this condition, you will need surgery.
- Heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and plasma sodium deficiency can cause low blood pressure. Visit a doctor for a specific diagnosis.
