How is pulse pressure calculated?

Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting diastolic blood pressure from systolic blood pressure. This is an important measure in assessing the health of the cardiovascular system, as it reflects the difference between the pressure in the arteries during heartbeats (systole) and between beats (diastole).

When a healthcare professional determines pulse pressure, they essentially gauge the force that the heart generates with each contraction. A normal pulse pressure is typically between 40 and 60 mmHg, and changes in this value can indicate underlying health issues, such as arterial stiffness or heart problems.

The other options provided do not accurately describe how pulse pressure is determined. Measuring heart rate, adding the pressures, or averaging them will not yield a correct representation of the dynamic range of blood pressure throughout the cardiac cycle. Therefore, the method that involves the direct subtraction of diastolic pressure from systolic pressure is the correct approach to calculating pulse pressure.