1. What is Pulse Pressure?

Pulse Pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. It represents the force your heart generates each time it contracts and is an important indicator of cardiovascular health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( SBP \) — Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
• \( DBP \) — Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: The calculation simply subtracts the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure to determine the pulse pressure.

3. Importance of Pulse Pressure

Details: Pulse pressure is an important cardiovascular risk marker. A high pulse pressure (typically >60 mmHg) may indicate stiff arteries, while a very low pulse pressure may suggest severe heart failure or aortic stenosis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in mmHg. The systolic value must be higher than the diastolic value for a valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal pulse pressure?
A: Normal pulse pressure is typically between 30-50 mmHg. Values above 60 mmHg may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Why does pulse pressure increase with age?
A: Arteries stiffen with age, causing systolic pressure to rise while diastolic pressure may stay the same or decrease, widening pulse pressure.

Q3: Can pulse pressure be too low?
A: Yes, very low pulse pressure (<25 mmHg) may occur in severe heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis.

Q4: How does exercise affect pulse pressure?
A: During exercise, systolic pressure rises significantly while diastolic changes little, resulting in increased pulse pressure.

Q5: Is pulse pressure the same as mean arterial pressure?
A: No, MAP is calculated differently (DBP + 1/3 PP) and represents average arterial pressure during a cardiac cycle.