During which phase of the cardiac cycle is diastolic blood pressure recorded?

Diastolic blood pressure is recorded during the phase of the cardiac cycle known as ventricular relaxation. This phase occurs when the ventricles are filling with blood from the atria, and the heart muscle is in a relaxed state. During this time, the pressure within the arteries decreases, reflecting the lowest pressure in the vascular system between heartbeats.

This is significant because diastolic blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health and helps to assess how well the heart and arteries are functioning during the periods of rest between contractions. It is distinct from systolic blood pressure, which occurs during ventricular contraction when the heart pumps blood into the aorta and the pulmonary arteries, resulting in higher pressure against the arterial walls.

Understanding the phases of the cardiac cycle, including diastole, is crucial for interpreting blood pressure readings and managing patients effectively in critical care settings.