Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

systole

noun

/ˈsɪstəˌliː/

Definition

Systole is the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries.

Examples

During systole, the heart effectively circulates oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.
A decreased systolic function can lead to various health issues, including heart failure.
Doctors monitor blood pressure by measuring systole and diastole phases of the heartbeat.

Meaning

In medical terms, systole refers specifically to the contraction of the heart’s ventricles, leading to the ejection of blood either into the lungs or the rest of the body.