Diastolic blood pressure
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure (pronunciation: dye-uh-STAH-lik) is a term used in medicine to refer to the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is the time when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen. It is the lower of two blood pressure measurements, the other being systolic blood pressure.
Etymology
The term "diastolic" comes from the Greek word "diastole" which means "a drawing apart." In this context, it refers to the period of time when the heart's ventricles are relaxing and filling with blood.
Measurement
Diastolic blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is always presented second in blood pressure readings. For example, in a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, the diastolic blood pressure is 80. It is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer.
Related Terms
- Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure.
- Hypertension: Abnormally high blood pressure.
- Blood Pressure: The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
- Systolic Blood Pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diastolic blood pressure
- Wikipedia's article - Diastolic blood pressure
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