What does systolic pressure represent?

Systolic pressure represents the pressure in the arteries during ventricular contraction, which occurs when the heart pumps blood out of the ventricles into the aorta and other major arteries. This phase of the cardiac cycle is essential because it reflects the peak pressure exerted by the blood against the arterial walls, providing important information about heart function and blood flow.

In contrast to other phases, systolic pressure is measured at the moment the heart contracts and is therefore critical for assessing cardiovascular health. It is one of the two key measures in blood pressure readings, with the other being diastolic pressure, which occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart. Understanding systolic pressure is vital for evaluating blood pressure and diagnosing conditions related to cardiovascular health.