What does systolic blood pressure indicate?

• A. The resting pressure in arteries
• B. The pressure in arteries during heart contraction
• C. The heart rate per minute
• D. The pressure in veins

Answer: (B)

Systolic blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, reflecting the pressure exerted against the arterial walls during heart contraction, specifically when the left ventricle ejects blood into the aorta. This pressure represents the maximum force that blood exerts on the artery walls, hence it is a key determinant of how well the circulatory system is functioning during periods of activity.

Understanding systolic pressure is crucial as it helps assess the overall condition of the heart and the efficiency of blood circulation. High systolic pressure can signify conditions such as hypertension, which may lead to serious health issues if left untreated. In contrast, the other options do not correctly describe what systolic blood pressure measures. The resting pressure in the arteries relates to diastolic blood pressure, heart rate refers to the number of beats per minute rather than pressure measurement, and pressure in veins is a different dynamic altogether, primarily influenced by factors such as blood volume and body position.