Systolicdiastolic

Systolicdiastolic is a term that echoes the two phases of the cardiac cycle that generate arterial pressure: systole and diastole. It can refer to the pair of pressures that describe how the heart’s pumping action affects the arteries, as well as to the broader physiological and clinical implications of these two components.

Systolic pressure is the peak arterial pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction and ejection of blood into the arterial system. Diastolic pressure is the minimum arterial pressure during the heart’s relaxation and filling phase when the ventricles are refilling.

Blood pressure readings are typically expressed as systolic over diastolic and measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A common reference range for adults is around 90–120 mmHg for systolic and 60–80 mmHg for diastolic, but values vary with age, activity, and health status. Pulse pressure, the difference between systolic and diastolic values, and mean arterial pressure, a weighted average, are additional measures that inform cardiovascular status.

Clinically, the systolic–diastolic pattern informs cardiovascular risk and treatment decisions. Isolated systolic hypertension, where systolic is elevated with normal diastolic, is common in older adults and associated with vascular stiffness. Conversely, elevated diastolic pressure or diastolic dysfunction can indicate other cardiovascular issues. Accurate measurement and interpretation of both components are essential for assessing blood pressure and guiding management.