What is pulse pressure?

Pulse pressure is defined as the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in the arteries, occurring when the heart beats and pumps blood, while diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure during the heart's relaxation phase between beats. Therefore, pulse pressure provides insights into the health and elasticity of the arteries. A normal pulse pressure indicates good heart function and vascular health, while an abnormal pulse pressure may suggest underlying cardiac or vascular conditions.

Other choices do not accurately describe pulse pressure. The total pressure in the arteries refers to mean arterial pressure, while average arterial pressure and the pressure exerted by the heart during contraction relate to different cardiovascular concepts. Understanding pulse pressure is vital for assessing cardiovascular health and monitoring potential heart conditions.