What is indicated by the systolic blood pressure reading?

The systolic blood pressure reading is the upper number in a blood pressure measurement. It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood into the body. This measurement is crucial because it indicates how much pressure the blood is exerting against the artery walls during each heartbeat.

Understanding this concept is important for evaluating cardiovascular health, as elevated systolic blood pressure can be a risk factor for various heart conditions. The other options do not accurately describe the systolic reading: the overall average blood pressure is not represented by just one single value, the lower number refers to diastolic pressure, and the diastolic pressure itself relates to the heart's resting phase and is distinct from the systolic reading. Therefore, identifying the correct interpretation of the systolic measurement is vital for effective assessment and management of blood pressure.