Systolic pressure is a medical term used to describe the maximum pressure exerted by the heart during a cardiac cycle. The word "systolic" is spelled with three syllables: /sɪˈstɒlɪk/. The first syllable "sɪ" is pronounced like the word "sick". The second syllable "stɒl" is pronounced like the word "stole". The third syllable "ɪk" is pronounced like the word "lick". The correct spelling of systolic pressure is important in communicating medical information accurately and effectively.
Systolic pressure is a medical term that refers to the highest level of pressure recorded in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's left ventricle. It is commonly expressed as the top number in a blood pressure reading, such as 120/80 mmHg, where 120 represents the systolic pressure.
During each heartbeat, the heart pumps blood into the arteries, creating a force that pushes against the walls of these blood vessels. Systolic pressure measures the force exerted on artery walls when the heart contracts and propels blood into circulation. It signifies the maximum pressure reached by the blood against the artery walls before the heart muscle relaxes between beats.
Systolic pressure is crucial in evaluating cardiovascular health and is used in conjunction with diastolic pressure, which represents the lowest level of pressure when the heart is at rest. Together, these numbers provide a comprehensive assessment of blood pressure. Elevated systolic pressure, particularly if consistently high, can be an indication of hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. Conversely, low systolic pressure may suggest reduced cardiac output or vasodilation. Regular monitoring of systolic pressure is essential for diagnosing and managing hypertension, as it helps identify potential risks of cardiovascular diseases and guides appropriate treatment options, such as medication, lifestyle modifications, or further medical investigations.
The word "systolic" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "sustolḗ", which means "contraction" or "squeezing together". This is because systolic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the arteries when the heart contracts to pump blood into the circulation.