When 2 values are given in a blood pressure reading, the first is the __________ measurement.

In a blood pressure reading, the first value represents the systolic measurement. The systolic pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This is the highest pressure within the artery and is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. It reflects how well the heart is functioning and how much load is placed on the arterial walls during ventricular contraction.

Conversely, diastolic pressure, which is the second number in a blood pressure reading, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. The pulse refers to the heartbeat, whereas the average blood pressure would typically refer to a calculated mean and does not denote a specific measurement taken during blood pressure readings. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for interpreting blood pressure correctly and recognizing their importance in clinical practice.