Tag Archives: diastolic

Diastolic and systolic blood pressure definitions Part 2

Arm–leg gradient

The arm–leg (blood pressure) gradient is the difference between the blood pressure measured in the arms and that measured in the legs. It is normally less than 10 mmHg, but may be increased in e.g. coarctation of the aorta. Continue reading

Diastolic and systolic blood pressure definitions Part 1

Blood pressure is the amount of force (pressure) that blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels as it passes through them. Two pressures are measured for a blood pressure reading:

  • Systolic blood pressure is a measure of blood pressure while the heart is beating
  • Diastolic pressure is a measure of blood pressure while the heart is relaxed, between heartbeats. Continue reading