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Systolic (systole) is the higher value which is the part of the cardiac cycle that ejects blood volume from the heart, diastolic (diastole) is the lower value and is relaxation of the ventricles. Filling of the ventricles occurs during this phase.
So 120/80 is a "normal" BP for a man. The higher value could be referred to as 120 systolic (charted SPB 120). 140/80 is more typical of males older than 30. If you cant hear the pulse d/t too much background noise or hypotension you can often palpate (feel) it in the wrist as you let the cuff down. Practice on your friends (?) to become proficient with this technique.
A narrowing pulse gap would be the two values getting closer together ie 100/90.
Stroke volume is about 60-120mL per beat or cardiac output of 4-8L per minute-
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