systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. It measures how much pressure your blood exerts against the artery walls during each heartbeat. A normal systolic pressure is typically around 120 mmHg. High systolic pressure, known as hypertension, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Monitoring systolic pressure is essential for maintaining overall cardiovascular health and can help identify potential health issues early on.