systolic vs. diastolic

systolic vs. diastolic: ’s the difference?

Systolic blood pressure is a measure of the maximum pressure (in arteries) when the heart’s left ventricle contracts (beats). Diastolic blood pressure is a measure of the maximum pressure between heartbeats. These measurements are usually given as a ratio with systolic on top and diastolic on the bottom, as in 120/80 (said as “120 over 80”).

adjective

  1. (of blood pressure) indicating the maximum arterial pressure occurring during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart.


adjective

  1. pertaining to or produced by diastole.
  2. (of blood pressure) indicating the arterial pressure during the interval between heartbeats.