Blood Pressure Health: Numbers, Exercise & Nutrition

Blood pressure levels vary based on age, exercise, and diet. Key strategies for health include tracking cuff readings and utilizing nutritional aids like almonds.

Systolic Blood Pressure Readings

Published Aug,14 2017 | By Kathleen Blanchard, R.N.

Systolic blood pressure is the first number heard with a stethoscope or displayed on a digital blood pressure machine when a blood pressure reading is being performed. It is the top number of a blood pressure reading.

Kathleen Blanchard is a registered nurse, with more than 10 years of experience in cardiovascular health, emergency room and ICU. She writes professionally for Emaxhealth.com. and AskMen.com. Blanchard is currently employed as a senior case manager and has held certification as a critical care registered nurse (CCRN), advanced trauma life support (ATLS), and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).