What does systolic pressure measure?

Systolic pressure measures the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting, specifically during the phase of the cardiac cycle known as systole. During this time, the heart pumps blood out into the aorta and subsequently into the rest of the body. This contraction causes a rise in the pressure within the arteries, which is what is recorded as systolic pressure.

Understanding this measurement is crucial because it helps assess how well the heart is functioning and how effectively it is delivering blood to the body's tissues. A higher systolic pressure can be indicative of increased workload on the heart and may signal various health issues, while a normal range is vital for maintaining overall cardiovascular health.