What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure called?

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is referred to as pulse pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading and represents the force exerted when the heart beats and pumps blood. In contrast, diastolic pressure is the lower number that indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure (systolic - diastolic) and is a useful measure in assessing the health of the cardiovascular system. A wide pulse pressure can indicate conditions such as increased stroke volume or decreased arterial compliance, while a narrow pulse pressure can be associated with heart failure or other cardiovascular issues.

Understanding pulse pressure is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health, as it provides insights into the dynamic changes in blood flow and pressure within the arteries during the cardiac cycle.