Systolic pressure measures arterial pressure when the heart contracts, with normal readings less than 120 mmHg. Diastolic pressure measures arterial pressure when the heart relaxes, with normal ... EurekAlert!: Systolic better than diastolic or pulse blood pressure as indicator of mortality risk Systolic better than diastolic or pulse blood pressure as indicator of mortality risk Blood pressure consists of two numbers.

Understanding the Context

Systolic pressure, the force exerted on blood vessels when the heart beats, is the upper number. Diastolic pressure, the force exerted when the heart is at rest ... Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAP) are the 3 BP values typically reported; to interpret a BP reading, all 3 must be evaluated. Systolic and diastolic BP are the pressures at the ...

Key Insights

Top number, called systolic pressure. The top number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The bottom number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories.

Final Thoughts

Ideal blood pressure is categorized as ... A blood pressure reading has two numbers: Top number, called systolic pressure. The top number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The bottom number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The American Heart Association classifies healthy blood pressure as ...

Pulse pressure is determined from the two numbers of a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The top number is called systolic pressure. This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.