What factor primarily influences diastolic blood pressure readings?

The primary factor influencing diastolic blood pressure readings is peripheral resistance in blood vessels. During diastole, the heart is at rest, and blood pressure is determined primarily by the resistance offered by the vasculature to blood flow. When peripheral resistance is high, it leads to an increase in diastolic blood pressure. This resistance is influenced by the diameter of the blood vessels; narrower vessels increase resistance and thus elevate the diastolic pressure.

Although blood volume, heart rate variability, and arterial elasticity can impact overall blood pressure, they do not play as significant a role in diastolic readings compared to peripheral resistance. Blood volume affects the overall blood pressure level, and heart rate variability primarily influences how fast the heart is beating, but the direct mechanics of diastolic pressure are much more closely linked to vascular resistance. Arterial elasticity does impact blood pressure dynamics, particularly through the systolic phase, but it is predominantly peripheral resistance that dictates diastolic measurements.