What term describes the arterial pressure during left ventricular contraction?

• A. Systolic
• B. Diastolic
• C. Pulse pressure
• D. Mean arterial pressure

Answer: (A)

Systolic pressure is the arterial pressure during left ventricular contraction as the heart ejects blood into the aorta. This peak pressure occurs during systole and is the higher value in a blood pressure reading, reflecting the force the heart generates to overcome systemic resistance. In contrast, diastolic pressure is the arterial pressure when the heart is relaxed and filling. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, and mean arterial pressure is an average pressure in the arteries over the cardiac cycle. So the term for arterial pressure during ventricular contraction is systolic pressure.