diastolic
Pronunciation: die-ah-STOL-ik
Relating to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and chambers fill with blood.
Full Definition
Diastolic refers to the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle, during which the ventricles fill with blood and the heart muscle rests between contractions. This phase is crucial for coronary perfusion, as most coronary blood flow occurs during diastole. Diastolic blood pressure represents the minimum arterial pressure when the heart is at rest. Diastolic dysfunction, a common finding in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, occurs when the heart has difficulty relaxing and filling properly. Assessment of diastolic function requires specialized echocardiographic techniques and is increasingly recognized as clinically significant.
Usage
Usage note: Often paired with pressure measurements; distinguish clearly from systolic in all contexts.
In Context
- "The patient's diastolic blood pressure remained elevated despite antihypertensive therapy." — Clinical progress note
- "Echocardiography demonstrated grade II diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures." — Cardiac imaging report