What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures?
Research shows that about 40-50% of the total population experience blood pressure issues. It is a serious health problem and it is important to understand blood pressure charts.
But both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are controlled by the heartbeat. The heart contract and relax to enhance the supply of oxygenated blood to the organs, tissues, and cells in the body.
The core difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure for class 10 is that the former is the pressure generated when the heart muscles contract while the latter is the pressure produced when the heart muscles relax.
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Comparison Table (Systolic vs Diastolic Blood Pressures)
Basic Terms | Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure |
Meaning | It is when the heart muscle contracts or the blood pressure is high | It is when the heart muscles relax or the blood pressure is minimal |
Normal Range | Adults: 90 – 120 mmHg
Infants: 95 mmHg 6-10 years: 100 mmHg |
Adults: 60 – 80 mmHg
Infants: 65 mmHg 6-10 years: 65 mmHg |
Blood Pressure Inside Arteries | Maximum | Minimum |
Occurs | It occurs when the left ventricle of the heart contract | It occurs when the left ventricle of the heart relaxes |
Changes with the Age | Increases | Decreases |
Blood Pressure Reading | Higher numbers in systolic pressure | Lower numbers in diastolic pressure |
Blood Vessels | Contracted | Relaxed |
Fluctuations | It happens while an individual is working since the heart is forced to work | It happens when diastolic pressure increases. It is an indicator of heart failure |
Etymology | Systolic means drawing together or contracting | Diastolic means drawing apart |
What Is a Systolic Blood Pressure?
It is the pressure generated during heart activity to pump blood to different parts of the body through the arteries. Systolic blood pressure happens in two forms.
High systolic blood pressure happens when an individual is exercising at high stress. Low systolic blood pressure occurs when the heartbeat rate is lower than normal.
The dynamics brought about systolic blood pressure can result in different stages of hypertension. It would be best to consider the blood pressure chart to know your level and seek assistance.
What Is a Diastolic Blood Pressure?
It is the pressure generated when the heart is pumping blood inactively to the arteries. It mainly occurs when the heart muscles are relaxed.
The diastole ventricle relaxes and gets filled with blood. Low blood pressure is usually an indicator of heart failure. It would be best to consider seeking immediate medical help.
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Main Difference between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
- Blood vessels during systolic blood pressure usually relax while during diastolic blood pressure they contract.
- Blood pressure inside arteries during systolic is maximum and minimum during diastolic
- Reading of blood pressure during systolic is high and low during diastolic
- The ventricle of heart contract during systolic and relax during diastolic
- Systolic blood pressure increases with age while diastolic blood pressure decreases with age
Similarities between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
- Both happen in higher organisms
- Both occur in the heart
- Both are controlled by heartbeat
- Both enhance the distribution of oxygenated blood
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In Conclusion
The heartbeat causes contraction and relaxation of cardiac muscles. The relaxation and contraction are what result in diastolic and systolic blood pressure respectively.
The health of a person with their cardiac condition is to determine by diastolic and systolic mechanisms. It is advisable to consult your doctor to help in monitoring your heartbeat.
More Sources and References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/diastole-vs-systole#risk-factors
- https://www.medicinenet.com/systolic/definition.htm
- https://www.medicinenet.com/diastolic/definition.htm