Which term describes the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest?

Diastolic pressure is the correct term for the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, specifically during the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. This pressure is an important indicator of the lowest level of blood pressure within the arteries, reflecting the amount of pressure exerted by the blood on the arterial walls when the heart is not contracting.

Understanding diastolic pressure is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health, as it provides insight into the heart's ability to relax and the systemic vascular resistance. Abnormal diastolic pressure can indicate various health issues, such as hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.

In contrast, systolic pressure refers to the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries, while pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. Cardiac output measures the volume of blood pumped by the heart in a minute, which, while related to blood pressure, does not specifically denote the pressure during the heart’s resting state.