Differences between Heart Rate and Pulse
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Heart Rate vs. Pulse[edit]
Heart rate and pulse are two measurements often used interchangeably to indicate the number of times a heart beats per minute (bpm).[1][2] While they are closely related and typically have the same value in healthy individuals, they measure distinct physiological events.[3][4] Heart rate is the direct measurement of the heart's contractions, while the pulse is the palpable pressure wave created in the arteries as a result of each heartbeat.[1][3] A normal resting heart rate for adults is generally between 60 and 100 bpm.[5]
The heart rate is a direct count of how many times the heart contracts in one minute.[5] It is a primary indicator of the heart's workload. The pulse, or pulse rate, is the result of this contraction; it is the rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries as blood is forcefully pumped through them by the heart. This arterial expansion can be felt at various points on the body where an artery is close to the skin, such as the wrist (radial artery) or neck (carotid artery). Because each normal heartbeat creates a corresponding arterial pulse, counting the pulse for one minute is a common and effective method for determining the heart rate.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Heart Rate | Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The number of times the heart contracts per minute (bpm).[5] | The number of times arteries expand and contract per minute in response to the heart's pumping action.[1][3] |
| What is Measured | The direct electrical or mechanical activity of the heart muscle contracting.[4] | The resulting pressure wave of blood moving through the arteries. |
| Direct Measurement Method | An electrocardiogram (ECG) provides the most precise measurement. Stethoscopes and heart rate monitors are also used.[1] | Manual palpation (feeling with the fingertips) at points where an artery is near the surface of the skin. |
| Common Measurement Sites | Directly at the chest, typically over the apex of the heart. | Wrist (radial artery), neck (carotid artery), inside of the elbow, or top of the foot. |
| Indication | Provides information specifically about the health and function of the heart.[1] | Provides information about the broader cardiovascular system, including the force of the heartbeat and artery condition.[1] |
Discrepancies between Heart Rate and Pulse[edit]
In healthy individuals, the heart rate and pulse rate are typically identical, as each heart contraction is strong enough to produce a palpable wave of blood in the peripheral arteries.[3][2] However, in certain medical conditions, the heart rate can be higher than the pulse rate. This difference is known as a pulse deficit.
A pulse deficit occurs when some of the heart's contractions are too weak to send a significant volume of blood into the arteries. As a result, not every heartbeat creates a detectable pulse wave, leading to a lower count at peripheral sites like the wrist compared to the actual number of heartbeats. This can happen in conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), where the heart's rhythm is irregular and chaotic, or in cases of very premature heartbeats. Other potential causes include severe blood loss, shock, and certain types of heart disease. The presence of a pulse deficit is a clinically significant finding that requires medical evaluation.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "health-e.in". Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "sakraworldhospital.com". Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "clevelandclinic.org". Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "cpraedcourse.com". Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 27, 2025.
