BiometricsReported in mmHgSystolic blood pressure
The top number of a blood pressure reading. It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts.
What it measures
Systolic pressure is the peak pressure during a heartbeat, in millimeters of mercury. You enter it from a cuff at home or at the visit. One reading after coffee, exercise, or a rushed arrival is often higher than your usual pressure. The visit prep on the tests page — arrive on time, rested — applies here too.
Why it is on the panel
High systolic pressure is one of the strongest everyday cardiovascular risk markers, and it often has no symptoms. Recording it next to cholesterol, kidney, and glucose results puts the risk factors on one page.
How to read it
Read it with the diastolic number. Guidelines for adults generally call systolic pressure under 120 mmHg normal, 120–129 elevated when diastolic is under 80, and 130 or higher a range where hypertension is considered. Diagnosis uses repeated readings, not one entry.
When it runs higher
A high systolic number can come from hypertension, pain, anxiety, caffeine, a full bladder, or a cuff that is too small. Repeated high readings are the signal to act on. Very high readings with chest pain, weakness, or shortness of breath need urgent care.
When it runs lower
A low systolic pressure can be normal for some people, especially if they feel well. It can also follow dehydration, bleeding, heart medicines, or illness. Dizziness on standing is the symptom that makes a low number important.
Same group
Other Biometrics tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Systolic pressure
Systolic pressure is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.