Diastolic pressure is described as:

Diastolic pressure refers to the lowest pressure in the arteries that occurs when the heart is in a state of relaxation, specifically during the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle. During this phase, the ventricles of the heart are filling with blood from the atria, and the heart muscle is relaxed. This relaxation allows the arterial pressure to decline to its lowest point, which is measured as diastolic pressure.

This measurement is critical in understanding overall cardiovascular health, as it provides insights into how well the heart is functioning during rest periods between beats. Proper diastolic pressure levels help ensure adequate blood flow to the organs and tissues when the heart is not actively pumping.

The other options describe different concepts:

• The average pressure in the arteries refers to mean arterial pressure, which incorporates both systolic and diastolic pressures to provide a more comprehensive view of blood flow and pressure over the entire cardiac cycle.

• The lowest pressure caused by ventricular contraction would not accurately describe diastolic pressure, as this event corresponds with systolic pressure, where the heart contracts and forces blood into the arteries.

• The peak pressure during systole accurately defines systolic pressure, which is measured when the ventricles contract and push blood into the arteries.

Understanding