Systolic blood pressure (BP) is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). It is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health, as elevated systolic BP can signify hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. For example, a systolic BP of 140 mmHg or higher is often associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular conditions.