Difference between Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure?

A Clear Comparison Between Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular health is a crucial indicator of your overall health and fitness. The two vital parameters that are often checked at the same time by your doctor to assess heart health are your pulse or heart rate and your blood pressure.

However, these two factors are distinct and denote different aspects of heart health. Your pulse or heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Blood pressure is the force with which blood flows against your arterial walls while circulating in the body.

However, most people often use them interchangeably since they don’t understand their differences. Keep reading to learn what pulse rate and blood pressure are and how they differ.

What is Meant by Pulse or Heart Rate? 

Pulse or heart rate is a crucial parameter used to assess heart health. It is the number of heartbeats per minute. Ideally, it is 72 beats per minute; however, a pulse rate of 60-100 beats per minute is the approved normal resting heart rate. This is the heart rate when one is sitting or lying down and is calm and relaxed.

The pulse or heart rate is most commonly checked from the wrist ( radial artery) or the neck (carotid artery). Bradycardia, or a slower heart rate, occurs when your pulse is less than 60 beats per minute in a resting posture. It is most commonly found in physically active people and indicates good heart health and fitness.

Bradycardia could also result from taking medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. You may have tachycardia or a faster heart rate if you have a pulse over 100 while at rest. It may occur due to:

• Strenuous exercise
• Fever
• Pain
• Dehydration
• Hot and humid weather
• Infection
• Stress and anxiety
• Overweight
• Thyroid problems

What is Meant by Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a vital metric for assessing cardiovascular health and other medical conditions. It is the force exerted by the blood on your arterial walls while circulating in the body.  120/80 mm Hg is considered normal blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in 2 numbers:

• Systolic Blood Pressure (Top number): Denotes the force of blood in the arteries between heartbeats.
• Diastolic Blood Pressure(Bottom number): Denotes the force of blood in the arteries between beats when the heart relaxes.

Blood pressure is measured around the upper arm by automatic digital devices or an instrument called a sphygmomanometer, which uses a pressure gauge and a cuff. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure or hypertension.

Hypertension is a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease. When untreated, it can cause serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disorders. A blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg shows low blood pressure or hypotension.

It can cause the following symptoms:

• Lightheadedness
• Fainting or syncope
• Troubled eyesight
• Fatigue
• Inability to focus

How are Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure Different?

The table below represents the differences between pulse rate and blood pressure:

Regular monitoring of your pulse rate and blood pressure is crucial for assessing your heart health. In cases of severe heart conditions, health insurance is best to secure one's health and finances in critical times.

Star Health offers extensive coverage for heart-related ailments under our Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.