Question

What do the two numbers in a blood pressure reading represent?

-The stronger diastolic pressure of blood returning in the veins is the larger number, whereas the weaker systolic pressure of blood in arteries is the smaller number.

-The larger number is the systolic pressure of blood moving in the arteries, whereas the smaller number is the diastolic pressure of blood returning in the veins.

-The systolic pressure during a heartbeat is the larger number, whereas the diastolic pressure while the heart rests between beats is the smaller number.

-The larger number is the diastolic pressure during a heartbeat, whereas the smaller number is the systolic pressure as the heart rests between beats.

Answer 1

Ans. The correct answer is Option 3. The systolic pressure during a heartbeat is the larger number, whereas the diastolic pressure while the heart rests between beats is the smaller number.

Explanation:

Blood pressure is the lateral pressure exerted by the blood when it flows through the arteries. The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg (mean average in adult) in which the numerator 120 mmHg represents the systolic blood pressure and lower number represents the diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure denotes pressure in the arteries during contraction of heart while diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure in the arteries when heart relaxes or rests between the beats.

Thus, the correct answer is Option 3.

• Option 1 is incorrect because, it mentions that diastolic pressure is the larger one (which is actually opposite) and it is the pressure in the veins.
• Option 2 is incorrect because, it mentions that diastolic blood pressure is the pressure returning in the veins which is not true.
• Option 4 is incorrect because, it mentions that diastolic pressure is the largest number and systolic pressure is seen when heart rests between the beats which is also false.