Pulse Pressure Calculator

How pulse pressure is calculated and what it tells you

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure. If your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, the pulse pressure is 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg. It describes the pressure swing that each heartbeat produces in the arteries. Normally the difference is about 30–50 mmHg.

Pulse pressure complements the usual blood pressure reading: two people can have the same upper pressure but a different pulse pressure, which means their circulation is loaded in different ways. The calculator also shows the mean arterial pressure (MAP), which estimates the average pressure in the arteries during one cardiac cycle. MAP is calculated as diastolic pressure + pulse pressure / 3. Both numbers are useful to know if you monitor your blood pressure with a home device.

Pulse pressure and age

In young and middle-aged healthy adults the pulse pressure is typically around 40 mmHg. With age, the large arteries — especially the aorta — gradually stiffen: systolic pressure rises while diastolic pressure often stays the same or even falls. This is why pulse pressure increases in many people over 60 years of age.

A pulse pressure that stays above 60 mmHg can be a sign of arterial stiffening, and in studies it has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A single high reading does not tell you anything certain, however, because blood pressure varies with the time of day, stress and physical activity. A reliable picture only emerges from several measurements taken at rest. If your pulse pressure is repeatedly elevated, discuss it with a doctor.

How to lower a high pulse pressure

A high pulse pressure is managed largely with the same measures as elevated blood pressure in general, and lifestyle plays a major role. Regular endurance exercise, reducing salt intake, a diet rich in vegetables and fibre, weight management, not smoking and moderate alcohol use all support the health of your arteries. Sufficient sleep and stress management also help keep blood pressure stable.

If lifestyle changes are not enough, a doctor can assess whether blood pressure medication is needed. Remember that this calculator gives an indicative estimate only — a diagnosis and the need for treatment are always assessed by a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

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