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Systolic Blood Pressure

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: February 19, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The pressure on the walls of the artery when the heart is pumping. This number is measured in "millimeters of Mercury" or mm HG. This is always reported as the first or 'top' number in a blood pressure measurement.
Also Known As: Top Number
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