In a typical blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, what does the number 120 represent?

In a typical blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, the number 120 represents the systolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. This is the peak pressure in the arteries and reflects how hard the heart is working to circulate blood throughout the body during a heartbeat.

In practical terms, a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg is considered to be within the normal range and suggests that the heart is effectively pumping blood without exerting excessive force on the vascular system. Understanding this number is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health, as elevated systolic pressure can be an indicator of potential heart-related issues.