What is Diastolic Pressure?
Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. It’s shown as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. • How is blood pressure tested? Having your blood pressure tested is quick, easy, and painless. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers systolic pressure “over” diastolic pressure. For example, the doctor or nurse might say “130 over 80” as a blood pressure reading. An optimal blood pressure is 120/80. Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. For some Americans, systolic blood pressure is especially important. Some blood pressure testing devices use electronic instruments or digital readouts. In these cases, the blood pressure reading appears on a small screen or is signaled in beeps, and no stethoscope is used. Focus on Systolic For middle-aged and older adults, the systolic pressure gives the most accurate diagnosis of high blood pressure. You can find important new inf
Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure exerted by the heart against artery walls when the heart is at rest. Usually displayed in conjunction with the systolic blood pressure, the diastolic pressure marks the end of the cardiac cycle, when the heart fills with blood. The systolic blood pressure, on the other hand, marks the beginning of the cardiac cycle, when the heart contracts. The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called pulse pressure. One of the instruments used to read heart pressure is a sphygmomanometer. Written as a fraction, heart pressure is measured by millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic blood pressure is represented by the top, larger number, while diastolic blood pressure is the lower, smaller number. Blood pressure can change throughout the day, depending on temperature, exercise, narcotic use, and posture. It is advised that an individual checks his or her blood pressure several times during the day in order to get a more accurate a
