Question

When taking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, which of the following is true of the diastolic BP?

1) It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting
2) It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest
3) It is measured using the systolic pressure
4) It is measured using the pulse rate

Answer 1

The diastolic blood pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, indicated as the lower number in a blood pressure reading taken with a sphygmomanometer.

Step-by-step explanation:

When taking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, the diastolic BP represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, not contracting. This is the lower number in a blood pressure reading, for example, in a typical reading of 120/80 mmHg, 80 represents the diastolic pressure. It indicates the lowest pressure within the arteries during the cardiac cycle, occurring during ventricular relaxation, or diastole. Diastolic blood pressure is determined when the pressure in the cuff of the sphygmomanometer falls below the systolic pressure and the sounds of blood flow (heard using a stethoscope) cease, which indicates that blood is flowing freely again.