What is diastolic pressure?

Diastolic pressure refers to the lowest level of pressure in the arteries during the relaxation phase of the heart cycle, specifically when the heart is not actively contracting. It is measured during this phase when the ventricles are filling with blood and is represented as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. This measurement indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart rests between beats, providing essential information about cardiovascular health. Understanding diastolic pressure is crucial, as it helps evaluate the overall pressure exerted on the arterial walls and the efficiency of blood circulation.

The other options do not accurately define diastolic pressure: the pressure when the heart is pumping relates to systolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries at maximum capacity refers to a concept not specific to either systolic or diastolic measurements, and the pressure in the veins during systole does not pertain to arterial pressure at all.