Which statement best describes the relationship between systolic and diastolic pressures in a usual reading?

Which statement best describes the relationship between systolic and diastolic pressures in a usual reading?

• A. Systolic pressure is the first number and is typically higher than diastolic
• B. Diastolic pressure is the first number
• C. They are equal
• D. Diastolic is always higher

Answer: (A)

During a blood pressure reading, the top number reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood (systolic pressure), while the bottom number reflects the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic pressure). In a typical reading, the systolic value is the first number and is higher than the diastolic value, which is the second number. For example, 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic. So the statement that systolic pressure is the first number and is typically higher than diastolic is the best description. The diastolic value is not the first number, they are not usually equal in a normal reading, and diastolic is not higher than systolic.

During a blood pressure reading, the top number reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood (systolic pressure), while the bottom number reflects the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic pressure). In a typical reading, the systolic value is the first number and is higher than the diastolic value, which is the second number. For example, 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic. So the statement that systolic pressure is the first number and is typically higher than diastolic is the best description. The diastolic value is not the first number, they are not usually equal in a normal reading, and diastolic is not higher than systolic.