Diastolic blood pressure is spelled /daɪ.əsˈtɒlɪk blʌd ˈprɛʃə(r)/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "diastolic" is pronounced as "dai-uh-stol-ik" with emphasis on the second syllable. "Blood" is pronounced as "bluhd" with an open "uh" sound in the first syllable followed by a smooth "d" sound. "Pressure" is pronounced as "presh-er" with emphasis on the second syllable and a silent "e" at the end. This term is commonly used to measure the pressure of blood against the walls of arteries during relaxation.
Diastolic blood pressure is a clinical measurement that represents the pressure exerted on the arterial walls during the resting phase of the heart's cardiac cycle, specifically during diastole. Diastole is the phase in which the heart muscle relaxes and refills with blood in preparation for the subsequent contraction, known as systole.
Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure is typically the lower of the two values recorded during a blood pressure reading. It represents the minimum pressure exerted on the arteries, reflecting the resistance of peripheral blood vessels and the elasticity of arterial walls.
Diastolic blood pressure is significant in assessing an individual's overall cardiovascular health and risk of developing conditions such as hypertension. Normal diastolic blood pressure is considered to be below 80 mmHg, while values above 90 mmHg are indicative of high blood pressure (hypertension), which can potentially lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Monitoring diastolic blood pressure is crucial since persistent elevation in this reading can indicate the presence of various cardiovascular ailments, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, or kidney disease. Furthermore, it is used in conjunction with systolic blood pressure to evaluate an individual's pulse pressure, which can provide additional information about arterial stiffness and overall cardiac function. Therefore, measuring and maintaining diastolic blood pressure within a healthy range is essential for optimal cardiovascular well-being.