What does diastolic blood pressure indicate?

Diastolic blood pressure specifically measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is in a state of relaxation, between beats. This interval, known as diastole, allows the heart to fill with blood again before the next contraction. During this phase, blood is still flowing through the arteries, but the heart is not actively pumping, which results in a certain level of pressure that reflects the load on the arterial walls at rest.

Understanding diastolic pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health, as it provides insights into the resistance that blood faces while moving through the circulatory system at rest. An unusually high or low diastolic pressure can signal potential health issues, such as hypertension or arterial stiffness, that may require further investigation or intervention.