What does systolic pressure measure?

Systolic pressure specifically measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart, known as systole. This is when the heart pumps blood out into the circulation, creating the highest pressure within the arteries. Monitoring systolic pressure is important because it reflects how efficiently the heart is able to pump blood and indicates the condition of the arteries.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of cardiovascular health. The pressure in the veins when the heart is at rest pertains to diastolic pressure, while overall blood volume in the circulatory system relates to blood volume measurements rather than pressure. The pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed refers to diastolic pressure as well, which occurs after the heart has finished contracting and is refillng with blood. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the dynamics of blood pressure and cardiac function.