What does diastolic pressure represent?

Diastolic pressure represents the lowest pressure in the arteries before the heart beats. This measurement occurs when the heart is in a state of relaxation, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. During this phase, known as diastole, the pressure remains relatively low compared to systolic pressure, which is the peak pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. Understanding diastolic pressure is essential for assessing cardiovascular health, as it helps indicate how well the heart and blood vessels are functioning when not actively pumping blood.

This concept is vital in monitoring blood pressure, which is given as a ratio of systolic to diastolic pressure, such as 120/80 mmHg. The diastolic value is crucial for determining the overall pressure against vessel walls in a resting state, which can provide insights into potential risk factors for heart disease if the diastolic pressure is consistently too high.