What does diastolic pressure indicate?

Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart is in a resting phase between contractions, specifically during diastole. This measurement is crucial because it indicates how much pressure is exerted by the blood against the arterial walls while the heart is filling with blood and not pumping. This resting state allows for the assessment of the heart's ability to relax and fill properly, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

The significance of diastolic pressure lies in its ability to provide insight into vascular health. It helps clinicians understand how well the blood vessels can accommodate blood flow without high resistance, and it is an important component of the overall blood pressure reading, which is typically expressed as systolic over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg). High diastolic pressure can be a risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions as it suggests increased resistance in the arteries.