Pulse pressure
Pulse Pressure
Pulse pressure (pronounced: /pʌls ˈprɛʃər/) is a significant term in the field of medicine and cardiology. It is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is often used as an indicator of heart health.
Etymology
The term "pulse pressure" is derived from the Latin word 'pulsus' meaning 'beat', and the Old French word 'pressure', which means 'power of constriction'.
Definition
Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and represents the force that the heart generates each time it contracts.
Related Terms
- Systolic pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood.
- Diastolic pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
- Blood pressure: The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
- Hypertension: A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
- Hypotension: A condition characterized by consistently low blood pressure.
Importance
Pulse pressure is an important measure of heart health. A high pulse pressure may indicate a risk of heart disease, while a low pulse pressure may suggest poor heart function. It is also used to assess the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension.
Measurement
Pulse pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, a device that measures blood pressure. The systolic pressure is read when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure is read when the heart is at rest. The difference between these two readings is the pulse pressure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pulse pressure
- Wikipedia's article - Pulse pressure
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