Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does the systolic pressure represent in a blood pressure reading?

1. The lowest number

2. The resting phase pressure

3. The top number

4. The average pressure in arteries

The correct answer is: The top number

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic pressure represents the top number, which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This measurement reflects the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles. Understanding this value is crucial, as systolic pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health; it helps assess how effectively the heart is working and the overall condition of the circulatory system. The systolic reading is typically reported alongside the diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. The distinction between these two phases is important for evaluating blood pressure correctly.