Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate
Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute, while pulse rate is the number of arterial pulsations felt externally. Both parameters assess cardiovascular function but can differ in irregular rhythms or circulation disorders. This guide covers definitions, differences, comparison tables, clinical relevance, NEET notes, FAQs, and MCQs.
This Story also Contains
- What are Heart Rate and Pulse Rate?
- Key Differences Between Heart Rate And Pulse Rate
- Normal Ranges & Variation Factors
- Heart Rate & Pulse Rate NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
- Recommended Video on "Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate"
What are Heart Rate and Pulse Rate?
Heart rate is defined as the number of contractions every one minute and denotes the capacity and work rate of the heart. Pulse rate, on the other hand, is the number of times the arteries swell due to contraction of the heart per unit time, usually checked by restraining pulse points such as the wrist or neck. In most cases, the heart rate is equivalent to the pulse rate.
However, there may be differences due to the existence of an irregular pulse or any circulation problem. This distinction is significant to achieve accurate health assessment and differential diagnosis of medical conditions because it determines potential heart and vascular issues including arrhythmias and circulation disorders that require timely intervention and management of conditions that are relevant to heart and vascular structures.
Key Differences Between Heart Rate And Pulse Rate
Key difference between heart rate and pulse rate is:
Aspect | Heart Rate | Pulse Rate |
Definition | Number of heartbeats per minute | Number of pulse beats felt at arterial points per minute |
Source of Measurement | Directly measured from the heart (via electrocardiogram) | Measured at pulse points (e.g., wrist, neck) reflecting arterial expansion and contraction |
Normal Range | 60-100 beats per minute | Typically matches heart rate under normal conditions |
Variability | Can be influenced by physical activity, stress, and health conditions | Can show variations due to peripheral vascular conditions or irregular heart rhythms |
Relevance to Health | Indicates overall heart function and efficiency | Provides information on how well blood is being circulated through the arteries |
Situational Variations | May not show irregularities if the heart rhythm is abnormal | Can differ from heart rate in cases of arrhythmias or vascular issues |
Normal Ranges & Variation Factors
Normal ranges of heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest in an adult. Heart rate may vary according to age and in athletes. Pulse rate generally matches the heart rate because each heartbeat produces one arterial pulse.
Factors Affecting Heart Rate
Exercise: Physical activity increases sympathetic activity, raising heart rate to meet higher oxygen and energy demands.
Emotions: Stress, fear, or excitement activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a rapid rise in heart rate.
Hormonal changes: Hormones like adrenaline and thyroid hormones stimulate the heart, causing an increase in heart rate.
Body temperature: A rise in body temperature accelerates metabolic rate and increases heart rate, while low temperature slows it down.
Factors Affecting Pulse Rate
Vascular resistance: Increased resistance (e.g., vasoconstriction) alters pulse amplitude and rate as the heart works harder to maintain blood flow.
Blood flow abnormalities: Conditions like stenosis or regurgitation change the strength and rhythm of the pulse.
Arrhythmias: Irregular electrical activity of the heart causes variations in pulse rate, rhythm, and strength, sometimes making the pulse irregular or weak.
Heart Rate & Pulse Rate NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
Types of questions asked from this topic are:
Heart rate vs Pulse rate
Factors affecting heart rate and pulse rate
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1. Identify the subsequent stage that immediately follows the 'dup' (second heart sound):
Isovolumetric contraction
Isovolumetric relaxation
Third heart sound
Atrial systole
Correct answer: 2) Isovolumetric relaxation
Explanation:
The second heart sound, often referred to as 'dup,' occurs during the closure of the semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic valves) at the beginning of ventricular diastole. After the 'dup' sound, the heart progresses into the phase known as isovolumetric relaxation. During isovolumetric relaxation, both the atrioventricular (AV) valves (mitral and tricuspid valves) and semilunar valves are closed. The ventricles are in a relaxed state, and no blood is being actively ejected or filled into the chambers. Instead, the ventricles are momentarily in a state of isovolumetric relaxation, where the pressure in the ventricles decreases, and the heart muscle begins to relax and prepare for the next cardiac cycle.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Isovolumetric relaxation.
Q2. Doctors use a stethoscope to hear the sounds produced during each cardiac cycle. The second sound is heard when:
Ventricular walls vibrate due to gushing in of blood from atria
Semilunar valves close down after the blood flows into vessels from ventricles
AV node receives signal from SA node
AV valves open up
Correct answer: 2) Semilunar valves close down after the blood flows into vessels from ventricles
Explanation:
During each cardiac cycle, two prominent sounds are produced which can be easily heard through a stethoscope. The first heart sound (lub) is associated with the closure of the tricuspid and bicuspid valves whereas the second heart sound (dub) is associated with the closure of the semilunar valves. The second heart sound (dub) is associated with the closure of the semilunar value.
Hence, the correct answer is option (2) Semilunar valves close down after the blood flows into vessels from ventricles.
Q3. Which of the following is the first heart sound (S1) and what causes it?
Lub, caused by the closure of the aortic valve.
Dub, caused by the closure of the mitral valve.
Lub, caused by the closure of the mitral valve.
Dub, caused by the closure of the tricuspid valve.
Correct answer: 3) Lub, caused by the closure of the mitral valve.
Explanation:
"Lub" is the foremost heart sound (S1), which is produced when the tricuspid and mitral valves close. These valves are situated between the heart's bottom chambers, ventricles, and upper chambers, or atria. The sound is made when the ventricles contract to force blood out during the beginning of the heart's pumping phase, known as ventricular systole. These valves stop blood from returning to the atria when they are closed. The heartbeat's typical "Lub-Dub" rhythm begins with this "Lub" sound, with the "Dub" originating from the closure of additional valves in the subsequent phase.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Lub, caused by the closure of the mitral valve.
Also Read:
Recommended Video on "Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Disparities between heart and pulse can arise from irregularity in the heart rhythm or arrhythmias, an issue in peripheral vessels, or a condition whereby blood flow differs from the norm thus leading to a different pulse rating from heart rate.
Normal resting heart rate and pulse rate are normally in the range of 60- 100 beats per minute. But as it is with many other aspects of human health, pulse rate is relative to factors including physical activities, stress and the like.
Exercise: Thus, to monitor your heart rate, you can use: a heart rate monitor, a smartwatch or manually count your pulse. For this, you can use your hand fingers on your wrist or neck, count for 60 seconds and record the number of beats.
Causes of variation in the number of heartbeats per minute include; physical activity, stress, state of mind, fever, incidences of medication, degree of hydration and other forms of cardiovascular diseases. These rates may also be affected by the presence of usual cardiovascular diseases that include arrhythmias or blood vessel abnormalities.