For those of you new to the world of cardiovascular health, you may have heard lots of terms flying around, ones such as pulse, heart rate, pulse rate, and more.
The fact of the matter is that if you are not intimately familiar with this stuff, almost to the point of having a medical degree, it can all be quite confusing.
So, when it comes to pulse rate vs heart rate, what are they and what are the differences between them? These and other questions will be answered right now.
Pulse Rate vs Heart Rate
The reason why this topic gets a bit confusing is because while pulse rates and heart rates are technically two different things, they are so closely correlated and connected that they can also be seen as the same things. To make things easier on you, let’s provide you with a rudimentary definition of both of these terms.
First off, the heart rate is the number of times per minute that the heart contracts, and is thus measured in beats per minute.
On the other hand, the pulse rate is the “mechanical pulse of blood flow through the capillaries cause by the contractions of the heart per minute”. When it comes down to it, although these are technically two different things, your pulse is your heart rate. Your pulse rate is also how many times per minute your heart beats.
Measuring Pulse Rate & Heart Rate
Something you may be wondering now is how to measure your heart rate and your pulse rate. First off, the heart rate is most accurately measured with the transmitter of a heart rate monitor or the electrodes from an EKG machine, right from the thorax.
On the other hand, the pulse rate can be measured using a pulse meter from the earlobe. Just keep in mind that pulse meters are only accurate indoors, particularly in settings with moderate amounts of ambient light. Due to changes in lighting, pulse meters are generally not accurate outdoors.
Your pulse rate can also be measured by palpating during rest. You can use your index fingers and thumb, hold them at the base of the thumb or wrist, and count hot many times your heart beats in 15 seconds, then multiply it by 4 to get an estimate of how many times per minute your heart is beating.
How to Measure Your Pulse
- Take your index, second, and third finger and place them facing down on the wrist of your other hand or at the base of the thumb. You can also place your first and second fingers on either side of your windpipe.
- Press very lightly with your fingers until you can feel your heart beat. If you cannot find the pulse right away, don’t worry. Just move your fingers around a little bit until you find it.
- Using a watch or a timer, count how many beats you feel in a total of 15 seconds, and then multiply this reading by 4 to get a rough estimate of the total heart beats per minute.
What is a Normal Pulse Rate?
Alright, so now that you have measured your pulse, you probably want to know what the normal pulse rate for human beings is.
The normal pulse rate in children between the ages of 6 to 15 is between 70 and 100 beats per minute, with the average pulse rate for adults being between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Slow & Fast Pulse Rates
Now you might be wondering what it means if you have a slow or fast pulse when compared to the average. If you have a pulse that is slower than 60 beats per minute, it could be a sign that you are in good health.
For example, very fit athletes may have only 40 beats per minute, which is an indication that the heart does not have to work very hard to distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body.
However, if you are not a fit athlete and still have a slow pulse, it can be an indication of serious health concerns, particularly issues with the heart not functioning properly.
If you have a fast heart rate, the first thing to consider is if you just exercised. Of course, exercise is going to make your heart pump much faster.
Smoking can also increase the pulse rate. However, a fast pulse when compared to the average can also indicate a weakened heart muscle, or in other words, the heart is working overtime to distribute blood.
Conclusion
As long as your heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, you really do not have anything to worry about, and if your readings seem off, try taking a second measurement just to confirm.