What does the systolic pressure measure?

Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart's ventricles contract and pump blood out into the circulation, which is referred to as ventricular ejection. This contraction creates the peak force against the arterial walls, reflecting the maximum pressure that the arteries experience during the cardiac cycle. It is an important indicator of cardiovascular health and is used to assess the heart's efficiency in pumping blood as well as overall vascular resistance. Understanding systolic pressure is crucial for recognizing potential cardiovascular issues, as elevated systolic values can be associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke.