HealthSeptember 1, 2026

systolic

sis-TOL-ik

Definition

Relating to the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word systole, meaning 'a drawing together' or 'contraction.' It entered English in the 17th century through medical Latin to describe the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe blood pressure readings, noting that specific mindfulness programs helped lower systolic blood pressure in participants.

Mindfulness and Positive Psychology May Boost Heart Health in Weeks

Read the full article ↗

SSBCrack

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