The term for the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures is which of the following?

• A. Systolic and diastolic
• B. Systolic and mean arterial
• C. Diastolic and MAP
• D. Cardiac output and stroke volume

Answer: (A)

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures is pulse pressure. It’s found by subtracting the diastolic value from the systolic value (for example, 120/80 gives a pulse pressure of about 40 mmHg). Pulse pressure reflects the amount of force the heart generates with each beat and the elasticity of the arteries. A normal pulse pressure is around 40 mmHg; a wider pulse pressure can occur with higher stroke volume or stiffer arteries, while a narrower pulse pressure can indicate reduced cardiac output or shock. Mean arterial pressure is a separate measure and is roughly diastolic pressure plus one-third of the pulse pressure, not the difference itself.