What does the term 'systolic' refer to in the context of blood pressure?

The term 'systolic' refers to the contraction stage of the heart, which is the phase during which the heart muscles contract and pump blood out of the heart and into the arteries. This contraction is what creates the higher number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of the arteries when the heart beats. During this time, blood is actively being propelled into the systemic circulation, making it crucial for maintaining adequate blood flow to various organs and tissues throughout the body. Understanding systolic pressure is important for assessing cardiovascular health, as elevated systolic pressure can indicate an increased risk for heart disease and other health complications.