SYSTOLIC Meaning and
Definition
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Systolic, in the context of medical terminology, refers to a specific phase of the cardiac cycle, specifically the contraction of the heart muscle. It is often used to describe the measurement of blood pressure, denoting the higher value or the first number in a blood pressure reading.
Systolic pressure represents the force applied by the blood against the walls of the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood out into the circulatory system. During this phase, the heart muscle contracts, ventricles empty, and blood flows out of the heart. The systolic pressure is recorded as the peak pressure in the arteries during this contraction.
Blood pressure is typically expressed as a ratio, with the systolic pressure appearing as the numerator and the diastolic pressure as the denominator. For example, in a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg.
Monitoring systolic blood pressure is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health and diagnosing conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). Changes in systolic pressure can indicate various health conditions, cardiovascular risk, or the effectiveness of blood pressure management interventions.
In summary, systolic pertains to the phase of the cardiac cycle characterized by the contraction of the heart muscle, and it denotes the higher value or the first number in a blood pressure reading.
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Relating to, or occurring at the time of the cardiac systole.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of SYSTOLIC
The word "systolic" originated from the Greek word "sustolḗ" (συστολή), which means "contraction" or "compression". It is derived from the verb "syneísthai" (συνείσθαι), meaning "to bring together" or "to contract". The term was first used in relation to the contraction of the heart chamber known as the left ventricle during its pumping action. Today, "systolic" is primarily used in the medical field to refer to the higher number in a blood pressure reading, which indicates the pressure exerted on arterial walls during the contraction or squeezing phase of the heart.
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