When measuring blood pressure, what does the top number represent?

The top number in a blood pressure reading represents systolic pressure. This value indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. Systolic pressure is a crucial measurement as it reflects the force exerted on the artery walls during ventricular contraction.

Understanding this element of blood pressure measurements is vital for assessing cardiovascular health. An elevated systolic pressure can be a sign of hypertension or other cardiovascular issues, while low systolic pressure might indicate inadequate blood flow or shock.

In contrast, diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. The average pressure and mean arterial pressure are calculated differently and involve both systolic and diastolic figures, making them distinct from the direct measurement of systolic pressure itself.