Pulse pressure -- a new way to evaluate your heart health
Blood pressure is assessed by measuring systolic pressure (the top number), which tells you the force of blood pushing against your artery walls when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which tells you the force of blood against your artery walls between heartbeats. In my opinion, 115/76 is optimal, based on multiple studies on living younger, longer with the least disability.
But you can also assess your pulse pressure. It's determined by subtracting your diastolic pressure from your systolic pressure. If that number is around 40, you're doing well. Above that indicates you're at risk for heart attack, stroke and even eye and kidney conditions associated with Type 2 diabetes. That isn't uncommon in folks 50 and older as arteries stiffen and systolic blood pressure goes up as diastolic pressure drifts down. And in folks 90 and older, a study in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that an elevated pulse pressure is associated with cognition problems and increasing amounts of amyloid tangles in their brain.
You can achieve healthy pulse pressure the same way you keep your blood pressure healthy: a plant-based diet, physical activity, good sleep, stress management and fun with your posse.
Tip: There's a device that offers great pulse and blood pressure info -- the Hilo Core. It has a wristband that reads your pulse rate and blood pressure 24/7, revealing long-range trends, and a cuff you can put on your upper arm for exact pressure measurements. For more heart-health tips, preorder my book, "YOU: Getting Older: The Owner's Manual for Your Golden Years."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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