Difference Between Heart Rate And Pulse Rate

Heart Rate and Pulse Rate are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different physiological measurements. Heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats in one minute, and it is typically measured using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a heart rate monitor. On the other hand, pulse rate refers to the number of times your arteries expand and contract in one minute as a result of the pressure wave created by the pumping of your heart. 

Understanding the difference between heart rate and pulse rate is important for monitoring your cardiovascular health and identifying potential health issues. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between these two terms and their clinical significance.

What is Heart Rate?

Heart Rate is a measure of the frequency of heartbeats. Heart Rate is a measure of the number of times the heart beats in one minute. Heart Rate is an important component of the cardiovascular system in the human body because it ensures whether Oxygen and nutrient-rich blood are supplied from Heart to the remaining parts of our body.

How a Heart Rate is Measured?

• Heart Rate can not be measured directly. Generally, Heart Rate is measured using an Electro Cardio Gram machine (ECG), Heart Rate Monitor, and wearable fitness trackers.  All the techniques record the electrical activity of the heart. 
• Heart Rate is expressed in BPM(Beats per Minute). 
• The heart rate of a healthy person always varies between 60-100 BPM depending on factors like age, sex, and fitness level.
•  Generally, a lower resting Heart Rate indicates good cardiovascular health and a higher resting Heart Rate indicates health issues in the human body.

It is good to measure heart rate during exercise because it helps us to determine whether we are working in our Target Heart Zone or not.

What is Pulse Rate?

Pulse Rate is a measure of the frequency of heartbeats which is the record of the number of times the pulse is felt in one minute i.e the number of times the arteries expand and contract in one minute. An average Pulse rate of a person can vary between 60-100 beats per minute varying on different factors like age, sex, and health conditions.

How a Pulse Rate is Measured?

• Pulse Rate can be measured directly or using a machine.
• Pulse Rate can be measured manually by feeling the pulse at a point on the body where the artery is closer to the surface of the skin.
• Common pulse points where the pulse can be measured in the body are the wrist, neck, and groin. 
• Like Heart Rate, Pulse Rate is also expressed in BPM(Beats per Minute).

Differences Between Health Rate and Pulse Rate

	Heart Rate	Pulse Rate
Definition	The number of times the heart beats per minute.	The number of times the arteries expand and contract per minute.
Need	Provides information on heart health and fitness levels.	Provides information on circulation and overall health.
Factors Affecting	Can be affected by various factors, such as physical activity, emotions, medications, and medical conditions.	Can be affected by various factors, such as physical activity, emotions, body position, and medical conditions.
Method of detection	Measured by using a heart rate monitor or an ECG.	Measured by placing fingers on an artery, typically on the wrist or neck.
Examples	Athletes and people who are physically fit may have lower resting heart rates.	Athletes and people who are physically fit may have lower resting pulse rates.

Similarities Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate

Similarities	Heart Rate and Pulse Rate
Indication	Both Heart Rate and Pulse Rate indicates the health and functioning of the heart
Measurement	Both Heart Rate and Pulse Rate are measured in units of BPM (Beats per minute)
Factors Affecting	Both Heart Rate and Pulse Rate gets affected by age, body size, and physical fitness the body
Used For	Both Heart Rate and Pulse Rate are measured and used to monitor the changes in the body’s response to stress, Physical activity, and exercise.

FAQs on Heart Rate and Pulse Rate

Q1. What is Heart Rate?

Heart Rate is a measure of the frequency of heartbeats. Heart Rate is a measure of the number of times the a heart beats in in one minute. Heart Rate is an important component of the cardiovascular system in a human body because it ensures whether oxygen and nutrient-rich blood is supplied from Heart to the remaining parts of our body.

Q2. What is the Pulse Rate?

Pulse Rate is a measure of the frequency of the heart beats which is the record of a number of times the pulse is felt in one minute i.e a a number of times the arteries expand and contract in one minute.

Q3. What is a Normal Resting Heart Rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate above or below that may signal a problem.

Q4. What are the Factors Affecting Heart Rate and Pulse Rate?

The factors affecting Pulse Rate and Heart Rate are Physical activity, Stress, Temperature, and Medical conditions such as a anemia, thyroid problems, or heart disease.

Q5. What is the Method of Detection of Heart Rate?

Heart Rate can not be measured directly, it can be measured using an an Electro Cardio Gram machine (ECG), Heart Rate Monitor, wearable fitness trackers.  All the techniques records the electrical activity of the heart.