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"Systole"

By Craig Weber, M.D., About.com

Updated: November 13, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Rich Fogoros, MD

Definition: Refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart is in its contracted state. This phase of the cardiac cycle contributes to the upper number in blood pressure readings, called the "systolic blood pressure." A value of greater than 140 on three or more different readings over time is used to define hypertension

Pronunciation: sis-tä-li

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