Systolic

Definition

Systolic refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart's ventricles contract, forcing blood out of the heart and into the circulatory system. It is one of the key measurements used to assess cardiovascular health and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Systolic pressure is the maximum pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles.
2. A normal systolic blood pressure range is typically between 100-120 mmHg.
3. Elevated systolic blood pressure is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as it can lead to damage to the blood vessels and the heart.
4. Systolic pressure can be influenced by factors such as age, physical activity, stress, and certain medical conditions.
5. Measuring systolic blood pressure is a crucial part of routine medical check-ups and is used to monitor cardiovascular health.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between systolic pressure and the cardiac cycle.
  • Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in the arteries that occurs during the contraction of the heart's ventricles, known as systole. This contraction forces blood out of the heart and into the circulatory system, resulting in the highest pressure reading. Systolic pressure is an important indicator of the heart's ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
• Describe the factors that can influence systolic blood pressure.
  • Systolic blood pressure can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, physical activity, stress, and certain medical conditions. As individuals age, the stiffness of the arteries increases, leading to higher systolic readings. Physical activity can temporarily raise systolic pressure, while stress can cause a more prolonged increase. Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease, can also contribute to elevated systolic blood pressure over time.
• Analyze the importance of monitoring systolic blood pressure for cardiovascular health.
  • Monitoring systolic blood pressure is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Elevated systolic pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. High systolic pressure can damage the blood vessels and the heart, leading to increased strain and potential failure over time. Regular monitoring of systolic pressure allows healthcare providers to identify and manage any issues early, implementing lifestyle changes or medications to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Related terms

Diastolic: Diastolic refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart's ventricles relax and fill with blood, preparing for the next contraction.

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, with systolic pressure being the peak pressure during ventricular contraction.

Pulse: The pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery, which corresponds to the heart's systolic contractions.