What is systolic blood pressure?

Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscles contract and pump blood into the circulation. This is a key phase in the cardiac cycle known as systole, during which the ventricles are actively contracting to propel blood out of the heart. The measurement of systolic pressure is vital, as it indicates how forcefully the heart is working to maintain blood flow to various tissues and organs.

Understanding systolic blood pressure in this context underscores its importance in evaluating cardiovascular health, as elevated levels can indicate conditions such as hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. Recognizing the distinctions among the provided choices highlights that systolic pressure is specifically tied to heart contraction, while other options refer to different aspects of cardiac function or state, such as relaxation or rest phases of the heart.