In a blood pressure reading of 120 over 80 mmHg, the figure 120 represents the
- A. pulse rate per minute
- B. systolic pressure while the ventricles contract
- C. diastolic pressure while the heart relaxes
- D. average pressure of the cycle
Explanation
The higher number is recorded at ventricular contraction when arterial pressure peaks, and the lower number is the resting pressure during diastole. Both matter clinically, since sustained high values damage vessels.