2006-10-05 12:42:07 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The systolic is measuring the highest pressure...It's by definition.
2006-10-05 12:50:40 · answer #1 · answered by feanor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the numerator is the pressure when the heart contracts, and the denominator is the pressure when the heart relaxes between contractions.
2006-10-05 12:52:07 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The numerator is called systolic. It represents how hard your heart has to work to pump blood.
The denominator is called diastolic. It represents your heart at rest between beats.
The resting number will of course be lower.
If your systolic number is too high, it means your heart has to work really hard to pump blood. This could be caused by blocked arteries.
If your diastolic pressure is too high, it means your heart isn't getting much rest between beats. This can lead to heart failure.
Check out the American Heart Association web site.
2006-10-05 12:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by angry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋