Last updated: 2026-06-21

Pulse Pressure

Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic numbers in a blood-pressure reading. For a reading of 120/80 mmHg it is 40 mmHg. The figure reflects how much the arterial pressure rises with each heartbeat, which depends on the volume of blood the heart ejects and the stiffness of the large arteries.

Definition

$\mathrm{PP} = \mathrm{SBP} - \mathrm{DBP}$

Despite its simplicity, pulse pressure carries information that neither the systolic nor the diastolic value shows alone. As the aorta and other large arteries stiffen with age, they cushion each heartbeat less effectively, so the systolic peak rises while the diastolic trough may fall — widening the gap.

How to read the result

• Below 40 mmHg — narrow. May accompany a reduced stroke volume.
• About 40 to 60 mmHg — normal. 40 mmHg is the commonly cited reference value.
• Above 60 mmHg — wide. Most often reflects arterial stiffening, which becomes more common with age.

Worked example

For a reading of 150/80 mmHg:

A pulse pressure of 70 mmHg is wide, a pattern often seen with stiffening arteries even when the diastolic number looks normal.

Limits

Pulse pressure is most useful tracked over time and interpreted alongside the full reading, not as a stand-alone diagnosis. For the average perfusing pressure see the Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator, and for the reading's overall category the Blood Pressure Classifier.