Pulse vs. Heart Rate: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pulse vs heart rate difference is one of the most common debates in the healthcare industry. Many people have the misconception that heart rate and pulse rate are the same. However, they are two distinct concepts. The number of times the heart beats is called the heartbeat. The heartbeat of a normal resting adult ranges between 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). In contrast, pulse rate indicates the rate of blood pressure.

A healthy pulse rate ranges between 60 and 100 BPM. Abnormal pulse rates can indicate underlying issues such as shock, dehydration, etc. The standard average heart rate for a healthy person depends on the individual’s age, fitness level, and body mass. 

A healthy individual who regularly exercises, avoids bad habits like smoking or heavy drinking and maintains fitness will likely have an ideal heart rate. A person with a critical heart condition may not pump blood effectively with each contraction, leading to a pulse rate lower than the heart rate.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of monitoring both heart rate and pulse rate and the key differences between them. 

What Is Heart Rate?

Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats in a minute. The human body automatically controls the heartbeat, adjusting it to match the body’s activities and surroundings. The heartbeat becomes faster when a person is agitated and slows down when a person is resting. The maximum level of excitement a person should reach is 95% of their maximum heart rate.

Source: Cleveland Clinic 

To calculate your target and maximum heart rates all by yourself, you can use the following formula:

220 – your own age = maximum heart rate

Maximum * 0.6 = Lowest Limit of Target Range

Maximum* 0.8 = Highest Limit of Target Range

Also Read: 5 Things to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Method of Measuring Heart Rate

Heartbeat can be measured in various ways, depending on the required precision level and the context of the measurement. Here, some common methods are discussed. You will get an insight into the advantages and limitations of manual palpation and other heart rate monitoring and controlling devices and their functions and limitations.

1. Manual Palpitation

If someone is ill or unconscious, you can manually check their heart rate to ensure they are alive. Generally, you can measure a person’s heart rate by touching a pulse point, such as the wrist (radial artery) or the neck (carotid artery). To calculate the heartbeats per minute, count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by four. 

One advantage of this technique is its simplicity, as it requires no equipment. However, it also has drawbacks, such as being less accurate and difficult to perform when the pulse is weak or irregular.

2. Use of Heart Rate Monitor

Heart rate monitors (HRMs) can be used for various purposes, including monitoring exercise intensity, stress levels, activity levels, sleep quality, and cardiac events such as chest pain, fainting, dizziness, or palpitations. HRMs come in different forms. Chest strap monitors, worn around the chest, detect electrical signals from your heart. 

Wrist-based monitors, often built into smartwatches and fitness trackers, use an optical sensor (usually LED lights) to detect changes in blood flow under the skin. These devices provide spontaneous and real-time heart rate tracking, offering more accuracy than manual palpation.

3. Other Devices

Other devices that can monitor and control the electrical activity in your cardiovascular system include Pulse Oximeters and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) machines. A Pulse Oximeter is a small clip-like device worn on a toe, finger, or earlobe that uses light transmission through the skin to measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels. 

An ECG machine, used in medical settings, involves placing electrodes on the skin to detect the heart’s electrical pulses. It produces a detailed graph of heart rate and activity. ECGs provide highly accurate results and comprehensive data on heart function, which also includes electrical activity and heart rhythm. 

However, ECGs are limited in that they are typically used in medical settings and cannot continuously monitor heart rate every day.

Besides all the above-mentioned methods, you can use different smartphone apps to track your heart rate daily. It will help you to detect any heart defect within a few seconds without wasting your valuable time. However, selecting the right method ensures the accurate measurement of your heart rate.

What Is Pulse Rate? 

In simple words, Pulse rate is your heart rate.  It is the number of times the heart beats per minute. A normal heart rate usually lies between 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, the pulse rate can vary from time to time. Factors such as age and overall physiological health affect the pulse rate. However, it has to be kept in mind that the normal heart rate is different for different people. 

There are two abnormal conditions: one in which the heart becomes faster and the other slower. If the pulse rate is over 100 BPM, the condition is known as Tachycardia. This condition can be encountered when a person is exercising, or there’s an infection within the body. When the heart rate is lower than 60 BPM, the condition is said to be Bradycardia. This condition is seen in athletes and other individuals who work too much. 

Also Read: All About Pulse Rate: All You Need to Know

How Do You Measure Pulse Rate? 

Assessing a person’s pulse rate allows us to find out the patient’s heart rate and assess the character and strength of the pulse. Irregularity in pulse rate may indicate a heart problem, which may require immediate medical attention. Also, initial pulse recording helps healthcare professionals compare it with future measurements and analyze changes in the patient’s heart condition. The pulse can be measured from several points of the body, and these points denote the position of the main arteries under the skin. We can compress these points against the bones to feel each beat. 

You will need a watch that has a second hand and a chart to record the pulse rate.  Here is the procedure for manual checking of the pulse rate:

• Ask your patient whether he has done any physical activity before testing. This is because pulse measurement can’t be recorded just after a physical activity. If he has, he can take 20 minutes of rest before taking the pulse rate reading. This will help to intercept false readings.
• Place the index and middle fingers on the patient’s wrist to measure the radial artery.
• Place both fingers on the side of the patient’s windpipe between the neck muscles to measure the pulse rate from the Carotid artery.
• If the pulse is strong and regular, you should measure it for 30 seconds. Then, you can double the number to get the beats per minute.
• Record the pulse rate for future reference. Any abnormality should be noted down. Describe the pulse rate as ‘faint’, ‘weak’, ‘strong’, or ‘bounding’.
• Consider the pulse rhythm. A regular missed beat can cause cardiac problems. Note down any pattern of irregularity.
• Discuss with the patient the result of the pulse measurement and treat it as soon as possible, if any serious irregularity occurs.

Many health conditions, such as pain, anxiety, and fever, can trigger the patient’s pulse. However, certain medications, like digoxin or beta blockers, can lower it. Measuring your pulse rate regularly can help you gain insight into your heart health condition and monitor cardiovascular well-being.

Pulse Rate vs. Heart Rate  – How Are They Different?

Pulse rate and heart rate are two different things because heart rate measures the heartbeats per minute, while pulse rate measures the blood pressure generation in a minute. However, the rate that is considered normal for both pulse and heart rates is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Pulse vs resting heart rate is a broader concept and can be differentiated in the following manner:

Final Thoughts 

When viewed from a broader perspective, the pulse rate vs heart rate difference is significant. Though on a narrow spectrum, they are very much connected. With the deteriorating lifestyle and physiological issues, the heart has become the most vital organ. Taking preventive measures for heart health is essential. By understanding the distinct aspects of these two vital indicators, you can optimize your heart health and lead a healthier life. Your heart is at the core of your well-being—prioritize its care and enjoy the life you deserve.  Consider getting trained in CPR or enrolling in a heart health course. Your knowledge could make all the difference in an emergency.