The top number of a blood pressure reading represents which measurement?

Study for the Missouri EFDA Basic Skills Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

When you read a blood pressure as two numbers, the top one is the pressure in the arteries during heart contraction. That peak pressure is called systolic pressure, reflecting how hard the arteries are pushed as the heart pumps. The bottom number is diastolic pressure, the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. The other measurements listed—pulse (heart rate) and respiratory rate (breaths per minute)—are different vital signs and are not the numbers shown in a blood pressure reading.