What term describes the pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively pumping blood?

The term that describes the pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively pumping blood is systolic blood pressure. This measurement occurs during the contraction phase of the heart, specifically when the ventricles are contracting and ejecting blood into the arteries. This pressure is crucial as it reflects the maximum force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls and is an essential indicator of cardiovascular health.

In contrast, diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, and it is the lower value of the blood pressure reading. Pulsatile pressure is a term associated with the variations in blood pressure within the arteries during the cardiac cycle but does not specifically refer to the pressure during heart contraction. Resting blood pressure generally describes blood pressure measurements taken when the body is at rest, which can include both systolic and diastolic values.

Therefore, systolic blood pressure is the correct term for the pressure experienced in the arteries while the heart is actively pumping blood, emphasizing its importance in the assessment of blood pressure and cardiovascular function.