systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood. It is the higher number in a blood pressure reading, typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For example, in a reading of 120/80 mmHg, 120 represents the systolic pressure. Monitoring systolic blood pressure is important because high levels can indicate hypertension, which may lead to serious health issues like heart disease or stroke. Regular check-ups can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and ensure overall cardiovascular health.