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Diastolic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’“
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diastolic

[daษชษ™หˆstษ’lษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical measurement

Diastolic refers to the phase of the heart cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. It is particularly important in measuring blood pressure, where diastolic pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. A normal diastolic reading is essential for determining overall cardiovascular health. High diastolic pressure can indicate health concerns such as hypertension.

Synonyms

relaxation phase, resting phase.

Examples of usage

  • The diastolic pressure should ideally be below 80 mmHg.
  • Doctors monitor diastolic readings to assess heart health.
  • High diastolic levels may lead to heart disease.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Normal diastolic pressure is essential for maintaining adequate blood flow and reducing stress on the heart.
  • High diastolic readings can indicate conditions like hypertension or heart disease, affecting overall health.

Pop Culture

  • Diastolic pressure is often mentioned in movies or TV shows to highlight a character's health or a dramatic medical situation.
  • Music and movies sometimes use the rhythmic heartbeat as a metaphor; diastolic represents the calm and rest between 'beats' of life.

Psychology

  • Understanding blood pressure measurements like diastolic can contribute to health anxiety, especially for those concerned about heart disease.
  • Educational programs around heart health often highlight diastolic pressure to raise awareness about cardiovascular wellness.

Literature

  • Medical literature frequently uses the term to explain cardiovascular health, showing its importance in describing heart function.
  • In poetry, 'diastolic' may be used metaphorically to discuss themes of rest and rejuvenation, akin to the heart's relaxation phase.

Origin of 'diastolic'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'diastolic' comes from the Greek word 'diastole', meaning 'to expand' or 'to let out'.
  • In medical terms, 'systolic' and 'diastolic' are always paired to describe two different phases of the heartbeat.

The term 'diastolic' is derived from the Greek word 'diastolฤ“', which means 'a separating' or 'a widening'. This term was combined with the suffix '-ic', commonly used in English to form adjectives. The word was first used in the early 19th century in medical literature to describe the heart's relaxation phase. Over time, the term has become crucial in the understanding of cardiovascular health and has been widely adopted in both medical and general vocabulary to describe blood pressure measurements. As our understanding of the human body and its functions has evolved, so too has the use of 'diastolic' in discussions around heart health and medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,390, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.