Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Systolic pressure is the maximum blood pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts during a heartbeat. It's an indicator of how much pressure your blood exerts against artery walls at its peak.
AP course connection
Topic 20.2: 20.2 Blood Flow, Blood Pressure, and Resistance