What does the term "systolic" refer to?

The term "systolic" specifically refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts, particularly the left ventricle. During this contraction, blood is pumped out of the heart into the arteries, resulting in the highest level of pressure in the arteries, which is known as systolic blood pressure. This measurement is crucial because it indicates how effectively the heart is functioning during its contraction phase and the amount of force being applied against the arterial walls.

Understanding this concept helps in assessing cardiovascular health, as elevated systolic blood pressure can be an indicator of various health conditions, including hypertension.