Systolic pressure

Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in the arteries during the course of the cardiac cycle. It is the force that the heart exerts on the walls of the arteries when it beats. Systolic pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is always stated first in blood pressure readings.

Measurement

Systolic pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a pressure-measuring gauge. The cuff is inflated to a pressure that is above the systolic blood pressure, and then slowly deflated. As the cuff deflates, the person taking the measurement listens with a stethoscope to the brachial artery at the elbow. The pressure at which the person first hears a pulse beat is the systolic pressure.

Normal and Abnormal Values

The normal range for systolic pressure for adults is between 90 and 120 mmHg. A systolic pressure of 120-139 mmHg is considered prehypertension, and a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension. Hypertension can lead to serious health problems, such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure.

Factors Affecting Systolic Pressure

Several factors can affect systolic pressure, including stress, smoking, exercise, diet, weight, age, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Medications can also affect systolic pressure.

Treatment

Treatment for high systolic pressure typically involves lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress. Medications may include diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.

See Also

• Diastolic pressure
• Blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Prehypertension

Systolic pressure Resources
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