Final answer:
Systolic pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading, occurring during the heart's pumping phase, while diastolic pressure is the lower number, reflecting the pressure during the heart's resting phase. Pulse is caused by arterial expansion from the heart's pumping action, and the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures is known as pulse pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Systolic and Diastolic Pressure
The systolic pressure and diastolic pressure are two key components of arterial blood pressure measurement. The systolic pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart's ventricles contract and pump out blood – this is during the phase known as systole. On the other hand, the diastolic pressure is the lower number, reflecting the arterial pressure when the heart's ventricles are relaxing and filling with blood, which occurs during diastole.
Your pulse is caused by the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries as blood is ejected from the heart and travels through the blood vessels. When measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope, the first sound heard—a thump—corresponds to the systolic pressure, signaling the resumption of blood flow into the forearm as pressure in the cuff is released.
The difference between these two pressures is known as the pulse pressure. For instance, if someone has a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg, their pulse pressure is 40 mm Hg, which is calculated by subtracting the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure.