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2026-02-09T11:05:52Z

Article written and Venn diagram created.

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== Systolic vs. diastolic pressure ==
'''Systolic''' and '''diastolic''' pressure are the two measurements used to determine blood pressure.<ref name="AHA_Understanding">{{cite web |title=Understanding Blood Pressure Readings |url=https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings |website=American Heart Association |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref> Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio, such as 120/80 mmHg.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref2" /><ref name="ref3" /> The first number is the systolic pressure, and the second is the diastolic pressure.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref2" /> Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).<ref name="ref1" />

Systolic pressure measures the force exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart beats or contracts to pump blood to the rest of the body.<ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref5" /> Diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, refilling with blood.<ref name="ref4" /> While both numbers are components of a blood pressure reading, they reflect pressure during different phases of the cardiac cycle.

=== Comparison Table ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! Systolic Pressure !! Diastolic Pressure
|-
| '''Definition'''
| The pressure in the arteries during the heart's contraction (systole).<ref name="ref4" />
| The pressure in the arteries during the heart's relaxation and filling phase (diastole).<ref name="ref4" />
|-
| '''Position in Reading'''
| The top or first number.<ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref2" />
| The bottom or second number.<ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref2" />
|-
| '''Cardiac Action'''
| Heart is actively pumping blood out to the body.<ref name="ref5" />
| Heart is resting and refilling with blood between beats.
|-
| '''Relative Value'''
| The higher of the two numbers.<ref name="ref1" />
| The lower of the two numbers.<ref name="ref1" />
|-
| '''Normal Range (Adults)'''
| Less than 120 mmHg.<ref name="AHA_Ranges">{{cite web |title=High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref>
| Less than 80 mmHg.<ref name="AHA_Ranges"/>
|}

[[File:Venn_Differences_between_Diastolica-Sistolica-Presion-Arterial.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between Diastolica-Sistolica-Presion-Arterial|Venn diagram comparing Differences between Diastolica-Sistolica-Presion-Arterial]]

=== Clinical Significance ===
Both systolic and diastolic readings are used to diagnose and manage hypertension (high blood pressure).<ref name="ref5" /> According to the American Heart Association, hypertension in adults is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher, that remains consistent over time.<ref name="ref3" />

Historically, greater emphasis was often placed on diastolic pressure, but systolic pressure is now considered a more significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in individuals over 50.<ref name="Harvard_Health">{{cite web |title=Which blood pressure number is more important? |url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/which-blood-pressure-number-is-more-important |website=Harvard Health Publishing |date=2024-07-24 |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref> However, an elevated reading in either or both numbers may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. Isolated diastolic hypertension, where only the bottom number is high, is also a recognized medical condition.

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="AHA_Understanding">{{cite web |title=Understanding Blood Pressure Readings |url=https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings |website=American Heart Association |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref>
<ref name="AHA_Ranges">{{cite web |title=High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref>
<ref name="Harvard_Health">{{cite web |title=Which blood pressure number is more important? |url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/which-blood-pressure-number-is-more-important |website=Harvard Health Publishing |date=2024-07-24 |access-date=2026-02-08}}</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between Diastolica-Sistolica-Presion-Arterial - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.