What is defined as the pressure in the arteries when the ventricles are at rest?

Diastolic pressure is the term used to describe the pressure in the arteries when the ventricles of the heart are at rest. This phase occurs in the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle is relaxed, allowing the chambers of the heart to fill with blood. During this period, the pressure in the arteries is at its lowest point, which is crucial for understanding cardiovascular health.

This measurement is significant because it reflects how well the arteries can resist pressure and helps assess the overall function of the heart and the health of the blood vessels. Monitoring diastolic pressure is important in diagnosing and managing conditions such as hypertension, as elevated diastolic levels can indicate increased strain on the cardiovascular system.

Other terms in the options refer to different aspects of blood pressure or cardiac function. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure generated when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, providing insight into the state of the arteries and heart's performance. Mean arterial pressure is an average pressure in a single cardiac cycle, used to assess the perfusion of organs but does not specifically indicate resting vascular pressure.