What is the term for the higher number in blood pressure measurements?

The term for the higher number in blood pressure measurements is systolic. In a blood pressure reading, two numbers are recorded: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure, which is the higher value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This measurement is critical because it reflects how effectively the heart is working to deliver blood to the body during each heartbeat.

In contrast, the diastolic pressure, the lower number, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. Mean arterial pressure is a calculated average pressure in the arteries throughout one cardiac cycle, and pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. Understanding systolic blood pressure is essential in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to cardiovascular health.