What is the term for the pressure in an artery when the heart is actively pumping?

Systolic blood pressure is the term used to describe the pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively pumping blood during contraction of the ventricles. This phase, known as systole, is crucial for understanding how the circulatory system operates. During systole, the heart ejects blood into the arteries, leading to an increase in arterial pressure; this is what is measured as systolic blood pressure.

Understanding the dynamics of blood pressure is essential in assessing cardiovascular health. Systolic blood pressure is typically recorded as the top number in a blood pressure reading and it provides important insight into the heart’s functionality and the health of the arterial system during periods of active cardiac output.