Which of the following best describes diastolic blood pressure?

Diastolic blood pressure is best described as the lowest pressure within the arteries during the cardiac cycle, specifically when the heart is in a state of relaxation between beats. This measurement occurs when the heart chambers, particularly the ventricles, are filling with blood and there is minimal blood flow coming from the heart to the arteries. Understanding this concept is critical for interpreting blood pressure readings, as it provides insight into the resistance of blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health during the resting phase of the heart.

This reading is opposed to systolic blood pressure, which is the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The diastolic value helps to assess the effectiveness of the heart's resting state and can indicate how well the body is managing blood pressure throughout the entire cardiac cycle.