How is diastolic pressure defined?

Diastolic pressure is defined as the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This measurement reflects the state of the arteries when the heart is filling with blood, allowing the heart chambers to relax and refill. During this phase, there is minimal blood flow through the arteries, hence the blood pressure is at its lowest point in the cardiac cycle.

Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing cardiovascular health, as diastolic pressure can indicate how well the heart and blood vessels are functioning. Keeping track of both systolic and diastolic pressures helps to evaluate overall heart health, guiding clinicians in managing conditions such as hypertension.