Systolic, diastolic, and pulse: the three numbers on a home BP machine
Almost every home blood pressure monitor prints three numbers: systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse (heart rate). Searches for “high diastolic blood pressure” or “normal pulse rate” are common. This page explains the labels on the machine. It is not a diagnosis. Blood Snap stores the three numbers; it does not grade them.
Systolic blood pressure (SYS)
Systolic is the larger, top number — pressure while the heart squeezes. In 118/76 mmHg, systolic is 118. Isolated high systolic readings are discussed more often as people age; only a clinician decides what that means for you.
Diastolic pressure (DIA)
Diastolic is the lower number — pressure while the heart rests. High diastolic blood pressure on several home checks still belongs in a clinic conversation, not an app badge. A single high diastolic after exercise or caffeine is not a verdict.
Pulse (heart rate)
Pulse is beats per minute, not a blood pressure number. Many education pages discuss a resting pulse around 60–100 for adults; athletes may sit lower. Your “normal pulse rate” is individual. Log pulse when the cuff shows it so the diary matches the machine.
How to enter them in Blood Snap
Manual log: three fields. Voice: say “blood pressure 120 over 80, pulse 72.” Snap: photograph SYS / DIA / pulse on the blood pressure cuff or machine, then confirm. See how to read your blood pressure monitor for published AHA category language (not applied in the app).
When numbers look extreme
Education materials often treat about 180/120 mmHg with chest pain, severe headache, or breathlessness as an emergency. Call local emergency services. Do not wait for a chart. Optional reminders in Blood Snap fire only at thresholds you typed — not medical alerts.
Log this in Blood Snap. Save SYS, DIA, and pulse from any home blood pressure monitor. Charts show your numbers, not stages.
Educational information with public guideline citations. Not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Blood Snap is a personal wellness diary — not a medical device, blood pressure machine, glucometer, or CGM. Always follow your clinician's advice.