What is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading known as?

The bottom number of a blood pressure reading is known as diastolic pressure. This measurement represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. During this phase, the heart is receiving blood and replenishing itself with oxygen. The diastolic pressure indicates how much pressure blood is exerting against the artery walls when the heart is at rest and is critical in assessing overall cardiovascular health.

In contrast, systolic pressure, which is often confused with diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. Cardiac output and pulse pressure serve different functions: cardiac output measures the volume of blood the heart pumps in a minute, while pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. Understanding these distinctions is essential for interpreting blood pressure readings accurately.