What is the primary focus when assessing blood pressure?

• A. Overall health and lifestyle factors
• B. Short-term fluctuations only
• C. Both systolic and diastolic components
• D. Only systolic readings are important

Answer: (C)

The primary focus when assessing blood pressure is the evaluation of both the systolic and diastolic components. Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. Together, these two measurements provide a comprehensive picture of cardiovascular health.

Systolic and diastolic readings can indicate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as hypertension. It's crucial to consider both values because they can vary independently and may signal different health issues. For instance, isolated systolic hypertension may occur in older adults, while diastolic pressure may be more relevant in younger individuals. Therefore, monitoring both components is essential for an accurate assessment of an individual's blood pressure status and overall cardiovascular risk.