What is systolic pressure?

Systolic pressure refers to the pressure of blood in the arteries during ventricular contraction, which is the phase when the heart pumps blood out to the body. During this time, the ventricles of the heart contract, forcing blood into the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This contraction generates the peak pressure within the arteries, reflecting the force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls during the heart's pumping phase.

Recognizing systolic pressure is crucial, as it is a key indicator of cardiovascular health and provides valuable insights into an individual's blood pressure status. Health professionals often assess systolic pressure alongside diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, to determine overall blood pressure.