what is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?
Answers
Answer:
Sheps, M.D. Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers. The top number is the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure). The bottom number is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).
Answer:
The difference between Systolic and Diastolic is that Systolic number indicates the highest or maximum level of the blood pressure as the heart exerts while breathing, while Diastolic number is the lowest level the pressure reaches as the heart eases during the heartbeats.
Explanation:
However, the above is not the only difference. A comparison between both the terms on certain parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:
Comparison Table Between Systolic and Diastolic (in Tabular Form)
Parameter of Comparison Systolic Diastolic
Meaning Measures the force of blood against the arteries when the heart pushes the blood to the rest of the body parts Measures the force of blood as the heart relaxes between beats
In simple terms, what does it mean? Pressure when the heart muscles contract Pressure when the heart muscles relax
At what stage is the number? The top number on the reading Lowest number
What does this number 120/80 in the blood pressure reading indicate? 120 is the Systolic pressure 80 is the Diastolic number
Level of importance Systolic blood pressure is more important than Diastolic blood pressure Less important with exceptions
Normal blood pressure measured in both numbers 120 80
From which age this number becomes very important in reading? 60 years and above or old people No such age, however, for younger people it is important
What is the ideal range of both these numbers so that an adult person can be considered healthy? 90 and less than 120 60 and less than 80
Does it indicate frequent changes? Yes, especially when the heart is working more Few
Does an increase in pulse pressure indicate an increase in Systolic pressure? Yes No
How does age matter? Systolic pressure increases with age Diastolic pressure decreases with age