people 50 yrs or older, systolic pressure is high if it is 140 mmHg

Systolic blood pressure – the top number in a blood pressure reading – is the pressure exerted at the beginning of a heartbeat when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. It represents the maximum pressure in the arteries as the heart pushes blood out. A normal systolic blood pressure is typically around 120 mmHg or lower. Elevated systolic blood pressure can indicate hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Monitoring and managing systolic blood pressure is essential for overall cardiovascular health.