What term describes the pressure in arteries when the left ventricle contracts?

Systolic blood pressure refers specifically to the pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle contracts and pumps blood into the aorta. This phase of the cardiac cycle is crucial because it reflects the maximum pressure exerted on the arterial walls as blood is pushed forward into systemic circulation.

During systole, the heart's contraction causes a surge of blood, leading to a peak value in arterial pressure, which is measured as systolic blood pressure. This value is essential for understanding cardiovascular health, as it indicates how well the heart is functioning and how effectively it moves blood through the body.

In contrast, diastolic blood pressure relates to the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, mean arterial pressure represents the average pressure throughout the cardiac cycle, and pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. Each of these terms describes different aspects of blood pressure and cardiac function, but only systolic blood pressure is associated with the contraction of the left ventricle.