What Is a Normal Systolic Blood Pressure?

When one speaks of "blood pressure," the arterial pressure is usually referred to. Arterial pressure may be measured directly by insertion of a tube into an artery; however, except experimentally, it is measured indirectly with the use of a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is then indicated by sounds heard through the stethoscope.

Normal Adult Systolic Pressure

• The normal systolic blood pressure for adults is 90-140 mm Hg, a variation that is directly affected by muscle activity, meals and emotion.

Normal Child Systolic Pressure

• At birth, the average systolic pressure is 40 mm Hg. It increases rapidly during the first month to 80 mm Hg. Then it increases slowly, and at the age of 12 years, the average reaches 105 mm Hg.

Women Vs. Men

• Systolic pressure is about 8 to 10 mm Hg lower in women than in men, until menopause occurs. This is due to a significantly higher muscle activity exhibited by men in various conditions.

Identification

• As pressure falls in the sphygmomanometer, the sounds heard change. First, a clear, sharp, tapping sound is heard that corresponds to systolic pressure.

Definition

• Systolic pressure is the greatest pressure that cardiac systole causes in the brachial artery. It is approximately equal to the pressure that the blood exerts against the wall of the artery from the inside.

Variation

• Blood pressure is increased by muscular activity. Systolic pressure is raised slightly after meals. Pain and emotional factors, such as fear or worry, raise systolic pressure, while the lowest point is reached during the first few hours of quiet, restful sleep.