Which term denotes the portion of blood pressure measured while the heart is at rest between contractions?

Which term denotes the portion of blood pressure measured while the heart is at rest between contractions?

• A. Diastole
• B. Diastolic Pressure
• C. Blood Pressure
• D. Systolic Pressure

Answer: (B)

During the heart’s relaxation phase between beats, the arteries are not being actively squeezed, so the pressure in the vessels falls to its lowest level. This resting, or diastolic, pressure is what’s measured as the diastolic pressure. In a typical reading like 120/80 mmHg, the 80 corresponds to this diastolic value. The relaxation phase is called diastole, while diastolic pressure is the actual arterial pressure during that phase. Systolic pressure, in contrast, reflects the peak pressure during contraction, and general “blood pressure” refers to the overall measurement combining both values.

During the heart’s relaxation phase between beats, the arteries are not being actively squeezed, so the pressure in the vessels falls to its lowest level. This resting, or diastolic, pressure is what’s measured as the diastolic pressure. In a typical reading like 120/80 mmHg, the 80 corresponds to this diastolic value. The relaxation phase is called diastole, while diastolic pressure is the actual arterial pressure during that phase. Systolic pressure, in contrast, reflects the peak pressure during contraction, and general “blood pressure” refers to the overall measurement combining both values.