What does 120/80 blood pressure mean?

In a reading of 120/80 mmHg, 120 is the systolic pressure (during ventricular contraction) and 80 is the diastolic pressure (during ventricular relaxation).

Which phase is longer, systole or diastole?

Diastole (relaxation) lasts longer than systole in a normal heartbeat, giving the heart chambers enough time to fill with blood.

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Difference Between Systole and Diastole

The cardiac cycle alternates between two phases - contraction and relaxation of the heart chambers.

In short

Systole is the contraction phase of the heart when blood is pumped out of the chambers; diastole is the relaxation phase when the chambers refill with blood.

Systole vs Diastole - Comparison Table

Basis	Systole	Diastole
Heart action	Contraction	Relaxation
Blood movement	Pumped out of chamber	Fills the chamber
Blood pressure	Higher (systolic ~120 mmHg)	Lower (diastolic ~80 mmHg)
Chamber volume	Decreases	Increases
In BP reading	The upper (first) number	The lower (second) number

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Frequently Asked Questions - Systole vs Diastole

What does 120/80 blood pressure mean?: In a reading of 120/80 mmHg, 120 is the systolic pressure (during ventricular contraction) and 80 is the diastolic pressure (during ventricular relaxation).
Which phase is longer, systole or diastole?: Diastole (relaxation) lasts longer than systole in a normal heartbeat, giving the heart chambers enough time to fill with blood.

Difference Between Systole and Diastole

Systole vs Diastole - Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions - Systole vs Diastole

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