Hemodynamics

Pulse Pressure Calculator

Systolic minus diastolic pressure; a narrow value points to low stroke volume, as in tamponade or hemorrhagic shock.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

SBP - DBP

Reference: Normal about 40 mmHg

How it is used

• Normal pulse pressure is approximately 40 mmHg.

Widened Pulse Pressure (>60 mmHg) is associated with

• Aortic regurgitation
• Sepsis / Vasodilatory shock
• Increased intracranial pressure (Cushing's triad)

Narrowed Pulse Pressure (<30 mmHg) is associated with

• Cardiac tamponade
• Severe aortic stenosis
• Cardiogenic shock or severe heart failure

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Shock Types at a GlanceHypovolemic · Cool, pale, clammy; flat neck veins; narrow pulse pressure · Stop the loss; 1:1:1 blood products for bleeding; crystalloid otherwise
• Hemodynamic NormalsWide pulse pressure, low notch · Low diastolic, notch near baseline · Vasodilation, sepsis, AR
• Sepsis and Septic Shock BundlePulse pressure variation · Arterial pulse pressure swing per breath · >12–13% (gray 9–13%) · Passive, sinus, Vt ≥8 mL/kg
• IABP ManagementPressure trigger · Systolic upstroke, regular rhythm · Upstroke; 3 mm Hg pulse pressure minimum

Related calculators

• Cardiac Index (CI)
• Cardiac Output (Fick Principle)
• Cardiac Output (HR × SV)
• Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)
• Coronary Perfusion Pressure
• Ejection Fraction (EF)
• Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
• Oxygen Delivery (DO₂)

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.