Which part of the blood pressure reading indicates the pressure during heart relaxation?

Diastolic pressure is the correct answer because it specifically measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is in a state of relaxation, between beats. During this phase, called diastole, the heart allows the chambers to fill with blood, and the blood vessels experience lower pressure. Diastolic pressure represents this state, providing insight into the minimum pressure exerted on the arterial walls during the cardiac cycle.

Understanding blood pressure readings involves recognizing that systolic pressure, which is measured when the heart contracts and pumps blood, represents the highest level of pressure within the arteries. In contrast, diastolic pressure, being the lower of the two measurements, effectively indicates how relaxed the heart is and the resistance present in the vascular system when the heart is not actively pumping.

Other terms like pulsatile pressure refer to the variability in blood pressure exerted by the heart's pumping action, while resting pressure is not a standard term used in blood pressure readings. These distinctions help clarify why diastolic pressure is integral in assessing overall cardiovascular health.