Question

In normal blood pressure $120/80$ the denominator indicates _______pressure.
A. Systolic
B. Diastolic
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The systolic pressure is the peak pressure in arteries whereas the diastolic pressure is the low pressure in the arteries. The systolic pressure is more as compared to the diastolic pressure. Both systolic and diastolic pressure together makes blood pressure.

Complete answer: The pressure applied to the arteries and veins during circulation is known as blood pressure. During ventricular contraction, systolic pressure is the peak pressure in the arteries that occurs at the end of the cardiac cycle. At the beginning of the cardiac cycle, when the ventricles are filled with blood and diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure in the arteries. Systolic pressure is higher than diastolic pressure because blood is forced into the arteries during heart contraction. It is about 120 mmHg. The diastolic pressure is low because the blood is pumped during the relaxation of the heart muscles. It is at about 80 mmHg.
Hence, the correct option is (B)-Diastolic.

Note: The normal resting pressure in humans is approximately 16 kPa or 120 millimeters of mercury systolic over 11 kPa or 80 millimeters of mercury diastolic. It is usually denoted as $120/80$ mmHg. A sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to determine the normal blood pressure. It usually results from the pumping of blood from the heart. Most people have elevated blood pressure this condition is termed hypertension.