What is systolic blood pressure and what is the normal range?

Systolic blood pressure refers to the top number in a blood pressure reading. It specifically measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This value provides important information about the force exerted by circulating blood on the arterial walls during each heartbeat.

The normal range for systolic blood pressure is typically between 90 and 120 mmHg. Values above this range can indicate hypertension, while values below can signify hypotension. Understanding systolic blood pressure is crucial for monitoring cardiovascular health and assessing potential risks associated with high or low blood pressure.

The other options do not accurately describe systolic blood pressure. For instance, the bottom number in a blood pressure reading is referred to as diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Options mentioning heart rate and overall heart health indicators are unrelated to the definition of systolic blood pressure specifically.