Final answer:
The lowest pressure during ventricular diastole, when the artery recoils no further, is recorded as the diastolic blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diastolic blood pressure represents the minimum arterial pressure during the cardiac cycle, specifically occurring during ventricular diastole when the heart is in its relaxation phase. This value is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and reflects the pressure exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is not actively contracting.
To obtain an accurate blood pressure reading, two values are recorded: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure is the maximum pressure during ventricular systole (contraction), while diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure during ventricular diastole (relaxation).
The measurement is essential for assessing cardiovascular health and is typically expressed as a ratio (e.g., 120/80 mmHg), with the higher number representing systolic pressure and the lower number representing diastolic pressure.
Monitoring both values helps healthcare professionals evaluate the efficiency of the heart, the condition of blood vessels, and the overall cardiovascular system. Understanding these pressure dynamics is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as hypertension, where elevated diastolic pressure can indicate increased resistance in the arteries during relaxation phases.