The connection between blood pressure and heart disease has been made before, but a new study has found that pulse pressure, another number associated with blood pressure readings, can be another indicator of future heart health.

Blood pressure is made up of two numbers, the systolic, or top number, and the diastolic, or bottom number. The difference between these two numbers is known as pulse pressure. So a person who has a blood pressure of 120/80 has a pulse pressure of 40. When pulse pressure stays at 40 or below, this study found, the risk of atrial fibrillation showed no change. But once the pulse pressure began to rise, say with a blood pressure reading of 130/80, so did the risk of developing the condition. Atrial fibrillation is associated with stroke and heart disease.

Though experts think this link needs more study, they agree that a person with high pulse pressure may benefit from taking blood pressure medication to bring their numbers more in line. Lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure as well -- limiting sodium, exercising daily, and maintaining a healthy weight.