Systolic blood pressure

Definition

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries during the contraction of your heart muscle. It is the higher number in a blood pressure reading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal systolic blood pressure is typically less than 120 mm Hg.
2. Systolic hypertension occurs when systolic blood pressure is consistently 130 mm Hg or higher.
3. Antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can lower systolic blood pressure.
4. Elevated systolic blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack.
5. Systolic blood pressure tends to rise with age due to stiffening of arterial walls.

Review Questions

• What is considered a normal range for systolic blood pressure?
• Name two classes of drugs that are commonly used to lower systolic blood pressure.
• How does elevated systolic blood pressure affect cardiovascular health?

Related terms

Diastolic Blood Pressure:

The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats; the lower number in a blood pressure reading.

Hypertension:

A condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, often defined as having a consistent reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

ACE Inhibitors:

A class of drugs that relaxes veins and arteries to lower blood pressure by inhibiting the enzyme that produces angiotensin II.