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systolic vs. diastolic: What’s the difference?

Systolic blood pressure is a measure of the maximum pressure (in arteries) when the heart’s left ventricle contracts (beats). Diastolic blood pressure is a measure of the maximum pressure between heartbeats. These measurements are usually given as a ratio with systolic on top and diastolic on the bottom, as in 120/80 (said as “120 over 80”).