What is systolic blood pressure?

According to WebMD, systolic blood pressure represents the pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart contracts. A systolic blood pressure value of 120 or less is considered normal. Values between 120 and 139 signify a borderline high blood pressure, while values greater than 140 are indicative of hypertension.

WebMD further mentions that a similar measurement is diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Normal values of diastolic blood pressure are lower than 80, with values greater than 90 indicating hypertension. Blood pressure can be measured using a blood pressure cuff, which is attached around the upper arm, the forearm or the wrist.