Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:42 PM IST

Heart rate and pulse rate have differences in their definitions as well as methods of measurement. Heart rate is the number of times a heart beats per minute, while pulse rate is the number of pulse waves felt in the arteries as the heart pumps blood. The two terms are often used together but are not always equal. A definition of pulse rate is the pulsatory throb of the arteries due to the heartbeat that can be felt at various points within the body. This distinction of pulse rate versus heart rate helps to understand the circulation system better, with both contributing to assessing cardiovascular health. This is an important topic from the Body Fluids And Circulation Chapter of Biology.

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What are Heart Rate and Pulse Rate?
Comparison Between Heart Rate And Pulse Rate
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Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate

What are Heart Rate and Pulse Rate?

Precisely, pulse 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.

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Comparison Between Heart Rate And Pulse Rate

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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between heart rate and pulse rate?

The main distinction is that the heart rate provides the number of beats per minute while the Pulse rate provides the number of felt beats per minute in specific pulse points, for instance on the wrist or neck, which shows the rhythm of expansion and contraction of arteries.

2. What is the main difference between heart rate and pulse rate?

Heart rate is the number of times the heart contracts (beats) per minute, while pulse rate is the number of times an artery expands and contracts per minute due to the pumping action of the heart. In most cases, these rates are the same, but there can be situations where they differ.

3. Why might heart rate and pulse rate differ?

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.

4. What are the normal ranges for heart rate and pulse 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.

5. How can I accurately measure my heart rate at home?

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.

6. What factors can affect my heart rate and pulse rate?

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.

7. Can heart rate and pulse rate ever be different?

Yes, heart rate and pulse rate can differ in certain medical conditions. For example, in arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, the heart may contract more times than the pulse is felt, leading to a difference between heart rate and pulse rate.

8. How does the body regulate heart rate?

The body regulates heart rate through the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate in response to stress or exercise, while the parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate during rest or relaxation.

9. What factors can affect pulse rate?

Pulse rate can be affected by various factors including age, physical fitness, emotions, body position, medications, and certain medical conditions. Exercise, stress, and fever can increase pulse rate, while rest and relaxation can decrease it.

10. Where are the most common locations to measure pulse rate?

The most common locations to measure pulse rate are the wrist (radial artery), neck (carotid artery), inside of the elbow (brachial artery), and the top of the foot (dorsalis pedis artery). The wrist and neck are the most frequently used sites.

11. How does the cardiac cycle relate to heart rate and pulse rate?

The cardiac cycle consists of systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation) phases of the heart. One complete cardiac cycle corresponds to one heartbeat and typically one pulse beat, thus directly determining both heart rate and pulse rate.

12. What is the normal resting heart rate for adults?

The normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, well-conditioned athletes may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute due to their enhanced cardiovascular efficiency.

13. Why is pulse rate sometimes used as an indicator of heart health?

Pulse rate is often used as an indicator of heart health because it reflects how efficiently the heart is pumping blood throughout the body. An abnormal pulse rate (too high or too low) can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.

14. What is pulse pressure, and how is it related to pulse rate?

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. While it's not directly related to pulse rate, both are indicators of cardiovascular health. A higher pulse pressure may indicate arterial stiffness, which can affect pulse rate.

15. What is the difference between tachycardia and bradycardia?

Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate (usually over 100 beats per minute at rest), while bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate (usually under 60 beats per minute at rest). Both conditions affect heart rate and pulse rate equally.

16. What is heart rate variability, and why is it important?

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation in time between successive heartbeats. High HRV is generally associated with better cardiovascular health and adaptability to stress. HRV provides information about autonomic nervous system function that pulse rate alone doesn't reveal.

17. How do hormones like thyroid hormones affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Thyroid hormones can significantly influence heart rate and pulse rate. Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) can cause tachycardia, while hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone) can lead to bradycardia.

18. How does altitude affect heart rate and pulse rate?

At high altitudes, both heart rate and pulse rate typically increase. This is because the lower oxygen levels in the air prompt the heart to work harder to deliver sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues.

19. How does dehydration affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Dehydration typically causes an increase in both heart rate and pulse rate. As blood volume decreases due to fluid loss, the heart beats faster to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.

20. How does chronic stress affect long-term heart rate and pulse rate?

Chronic stress can lead to a persistently elevated heart rate and pulse rate due to prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Over time, this can contribute to cardiovascular problems like hypertension and increased risk of heart disease.

21. What is the relationship between respiratory rate and heart rate?

Respiratory rate and heart rate are often closely linked through a phenomenon called respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Heart rate typically increases slightly during inhalation and decreases during exhalation, helping to optimize blood flow and gas exchange in the lungs.

22. What is the effect of hypothermia on heart rate and pulse rate?

Hypothermia typically causes a decrease in both heart rate and pulse rate. As body temperature drops, metabolic processes slow down, including heart function, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate) and a corresponding decrease in pulse rate.

23. How do beta-agonists (like those used in asthma inhalers) affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Beta-agonists, such as albuterol used in asthma inhalers, can increase both heart rate and pulse rate. These medications stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation but also causing side effects like tachycardia.

24. What is the relationship between heart rate variability and overall health?

Higher heart rate variability is generally associated with better overall health and fitness. It indicates a more responsive and adaptable autonomic nervous system, which is linked to better stress management, cardiovascular health, and even longevity.

25. How does the Valsalva maneuver affect heart rate and pulse rate?

The Valsalva maneuver (forcefully exhaling against a closed airway) causes complex changes in heart rate and pulse rate. Initially, there's a brief increase in heart rate, followed by a slowing, and then another increase when the maneuver is released. This response tests the autonomic nervous system's control of heart rate.

26. What is the effect of severe blood loss on heart rate and pulse rate?

Severe blood loss initially causes an increase in both heart rate and pulse rate as the body tries to maintain blood pressure and oxygen delivery. However, if blood loss continues, eventually both heart rate and pulse rate may drop dramatically as the cardiovascular system begins to fail.

27. What is the difference between chronotropic and inotropic effects on the heart?

Chronotropic effects influence heart rate (the frequency of heartbeats), while inotropic effects influence the force of heart muscle contraction. Some substances or conditions can have both chronotropic and inotropic effects, influencing both heart rate and the strength of each beat.

28. How do ACE inhibitors, commonly used to treat hypertension, affect heart rate and pulse rate?

ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors typically have a minimal direct effect on heart rate and pulse rate. They primarily work by dilating blood vessels, which can indirectly lead to a slight decrease in heart rate as the heart doesn't need to work as hard to pump blood against lower resistance.

29. How does exercise affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Exercise increases both heart rate and pulse rate. As the body demands more oxygen during physical activity, the heart beats faster to pump more blood, resulting in an increased pulse rate that matches the elevated heart rate.

30. How does age affect heart rate and pulse rate?

As we age, the maximum heart rate and pulse rate tend to decrease. This is due to reduced elasticity of blood vessels and decreased efficiency of the heart muscle. However, resting heart rate usually remains relatively stable throughout adulthood.

31. Can emotions affect heart rate and pulse rate differently?

Emotions generally affect heart rate and pulse rate similarly, as both are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. However, in some cases of extreme stress or anxiety, heart palpitations might occur without a corresponding change in peripheral pulse rate.

32. What is the relationship between blood pressure and pulse rate?

Blood pressure and pulse rate are related but distinct measurements. While an increase in pulse rate often leads to an increase in blood pressure, this is not always the case. Factors like blood vessel elasticity and blood volume also influence blood pressure.

33. What is pulse deficit, and when does it occur?

Pulse deficit occurs when the heart rate is higher than the pulse rate. This can happen in conditions like atrial fibrillation, where some heartbeats are too weak to create a detectable pulse in peripheral arteries.

34. How do beta-blockers affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Beta-blockers slow down heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This results in a decrease in both heart rate and pulse rate, making these medications useful for treating conditions like hypertension and arrhythmias.

35. How does the body's position affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Changes in body position can affect heart rate and pulse rate due to the effects of gravity on blood flow. For example, standing up quickly can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and pulse rate as the body works to maintain blood flow to the brain.

36. What is the difference between pulse and heart sounds?

Heart sounds are the noises made by the heart valves closing during the cardiac cycle, typically heard through a stethoscope. Pulse, on the other hand, is the tactile sensation of blood flow in an artery. While related, they provide different types of information about heart function.

37. What is the relationship between stroke volume and heart rate?

Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. There's often an inverse relationship between stroke volume and heart rate: as stroke volume increases, heart rate may decrease to maintain the same cardiac output, and vice versa.

38. What is the difference between pulse rate and cardiac output?

Pulse rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute, while cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying heart rate (or pulse rate) by stroke volume.

39. How do parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems differently affect heart rate?

The parasympathetic nervous system slows heart rate through the release of acetylcholine, while the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine. This dual control allows for fine-tuning of heart rate in response to the body's needs.

40. What is the effect of fever on heart rate and pulse rate?

Fever typically increases both heart rate and pulse rate. For every degree Celsius (1.8°F) rise in body temperature, heart rate can increase by about 10 beats per minute. This is part of the body's response to fight infection and regulate temperature.

41. How does caffeine consumption affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Caffeine can increase both heart rate and pulse rate by stimulating the release of adrenaline and blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. However, regular caffeine consumers may develop tolerance to these effects.

42. What is the difference between pulse oximetry and pulse rate measurement?

Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the blood using light absorption, while also providing pulse rate. Pulse rate measurement alone only counts the number of heartbeats per minute without providing information about blood oxygen levels.

43. How do pacemakers regulate heart rate, and how does this affect pulse rate?

Pacemakers regulate heart rate by delivering electrical impulses to stimulate heart contractions when the natural pacemaker of the heart (sinoatrial node) fails to maintain an adequate rate. This artificial regulation of heart rate directly affects pulse rate, ensuring they remain synchronized.

44. What is the difference between pulse rate and heart rhythm?

Pulse rate refers to the frequency of heartbeats, while heart rhythm refers to the pattern of heartbeats. A normal heart rhythm is regular and coordinated, but abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) can occur without necessarily changing the overall pulse rate.

45. How does anemia affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Anemia often leads to an increase in both heart rate and pulse rate. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, the heart compensates by beating faster to deliver adequate oxygen to tissues, resulting in an elevated pulse rate.

46. What is the difference between pulse rate and pulse pressure?

Pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute, while pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Pulse pressure provides information about arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health, whereas pulse rate indicates the frequency of heart contractions.

47. How does sleep affect heart rate and pulse rate?

During sleep, both heart rate and pulse rate typically decrease as the body enters a state of rest and repair. However, during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, heart rate and pulse rate may become more variable and occasionally increase.

48. What is the relationship between cardiac arrhythmias and pulse irregularities?

Cardiac arrhythmias often manifest as pulse irregularities. For example, atrial fibrillation can cause an irregular pulse rhythm, while other arrhythmias might cause the pulse to be too fast, too slow, or have dropped beats.

49. How does pregnancy affect a woman's heart rate and pulse rate?

During pregnancy, a woman's heart rate and pulse rate typically increase. This is due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. Resting heart rate may increase by 10-20 beats per minute by the third trimester.

50. What is the difference between measuring heart rate with an ECG versus measuring pulse rate manually?

An ECG (electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of the heart directly, providing a precise heart rate and information about heart rhythm. Manual pulse rate measurement, while generally accurate, can miss some heartbeats and doesn't provide information about the heart's electrical activity.

51. How do vasodilators affect heart rate and pulse rate?

Vasodilators, which widen blood vessels, can indirectly increase heart rate and pulse rate. As blood vessels dilate, blood pressure may drop, triggering a compensatory increase in heart rate to maintain adequate blood flow.

52. How do endurance athletes' resting heart rates compare to those of non-athletes?

Endurance athletes typically have lower resting heart rates compared to non-athletes. This is due to their more efficient cardiovascular systems, which can pump more blood per beat, allowing the heart to beat less frequently at rest.

53. How does the diving reflex affect heart rate and pulse rate?

The diving reflex, triggered by facial contact with cold water, causes a decrease in both heart rate and pulse rate. This is a protective mechanism that conserves oxygen by reducing blood flow to non-essential areas of the body during underwater submersion.

54. What is the relationship between heart rate, pulse rate, and cardiac output?

Cardiac output is the product of heart rate (or pulse rate) and stroke volume. An increase in either heart rate or stroke volume will increase cardiac output. The body can adjust both to meet changing demands for blood flow.

55. What is the difference between sinus rhythm and normal pulse rate?

Sinus rhythm refers to the normal electrical pattern of heart activation originating from the sinoatrial node, while normal pulse rate refers to the frequency of heartbeats (typically 60-100 beats per minute at rest). A person can have a normal sinus rhythm but an abnormal pulse rate (too fast or too slow).