Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate is that heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute. Pulse rate is the number of times a person’s artery expands and contracts per minute in response to the heart pumping blood.
Krati Saraswat29 May, 2025
Share
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate: Heart rate and pulse rate differ because heart rate measures the number of times the heart beats per minute, while pulse rate measures the number of times the blood pressure wave is generated per minute.
Each heartbeat propels blood through the body, causing changes in blood pressure and generating a pulse in the main arteries. In a healthy individual, the heart rate and pulse are typically synchronized. However, individuals with heart conditions may experience difficulty effectively pumping blood with each contraction, leading to a lower pulse than the heart rate. Various factors, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, medication, smoking, and body mass, can influence both heart rate and blood pressure. In many cases, the pulse serves as an effective means to ascertain heart rate. It is, therefore, essential to understand the key difference between heart rate and pulse rate.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
| NEET Biology MCQ | NEET Biology Chapter wise Weightage |
| NEET Biology Notes | NEET Previous Year Question Papers |
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate Overview
A pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute, with the average adult's resting pulse rate ranging from 60 to 80 beats per minute. Heart rate, on the other hand, refers to the rate at which the heart beats. Although heart rate and pulse are related, they are distinct concepts. Heart rate is the rate at which the heart beats at any given moment, whereas pulse is the sensation of the heart rate. The heart sends blood through the body's artery network when it contracts. The pulse is the brief increase in artery pressure caused by the heart ejecting more blood to maintain circulation. The heart relaxes between beats, causing the pressure to fall. This rhythmic pattern produces the sensation of individual heartbeats rather than a steady flow of pressure, similar to the pulsating force of water through a hose. Arteries are located close to the skin at various points on the body, with some areas being more palpable than others depending on individual body characteristics. Certain areas are more accessible for taking a pulse by oneself or a healthcare professional. The difference between heart rate and pulse rate is explained further below.
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate
A heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute, while a pulse rate is the number of times per minute an artery generates a palpable “pulse” due to increased blood pressure caused by the heart’s contraction. In essence, the pulse rate corresponds to the heart rate. The table below delineates the nuanced distinctions between heart rate and pulse rate.|
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Heart Rate | Pulse Rate |
| Definition | The number of heartbeats per minute. | The number of times arteries expand and contract with each heartbeat. |
| Measurement | Directly measured from the heart using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stethoscope. | Indirectly measured by feeling blood pulsation in arteries, typically at the wrist, neck, or temple. |
| Location of Measurement | Heart | Arteries throughout the body, but most commonly felt at the wrist, neck, or temple. |
| Accuracy | It is more accurate to measure the heart's electrical activity directly. | It is less accurate, as factors like applied pressure and pulse strength can influence it. |
| Relationship | Usually the same as the heart rate, but can differ in certain conditions, such as when the heart is not pumping effectively. | Always reflects the heart rate, but may be slightly delayed due to the time it takes for the pressure wave to travel from the heart to the arteries. |
| Normal Range for Adults | 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest | 60-100 beats per minute at rest |
Heart Rate
Heart rate is the frequency of the heart's contractions per minute, and it varies between individuals due to various factors. These factors include medical conditions like heart attack, age, and overall physical condition. Examining heart rate about age reveals the following normal ranges that denote a non-dangerous heart rate:- In infants, the range is approximately 70 to 190 beats per minute (bpm).
- For children aged 3 to 9 years, it typically falls within 70 to 130 bpm.
- Teens between the ages of 10 and 20 years usually exhibit a heart rate of 60 to 100 bpm.
- Beyond 20 years, the heart rate remains within the same range.
Pulse Rate
The pulsation of blood through the capillaries results from the heart's contraction, which gives rise to the pulse. The pulse rate represents the mechanical vibrations and rhythmic beating experienced throughout the body. Unlike heart rate, individuals can perceive their pulse rate in various areas such as the wrists, arms, ankles, neck, and knees. There is minimal disparity between the two when comparing pulse and heart rates. The methods employed for measuring pulse rate are similar to those used for heart rate measurement. The pulse rate of an individual closely resembles their heart rate. Therefore, for details on measurement methods, refer to the abovementioned ways of determining heart rate.Physics Wallah provides the NEET Online Coaching and aims to provide the best possible preparation for the prestigious and challenging NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) medical exam. The NEET online coaching aims to provide students with highly experienced and knowledgeable teachers who specialize in the subjects required for the NEET exam , namely physics, chemistry, and biology.
Difference Between Heart Rate and Pulse Rate FAQs
Is heart rate the same as pulse rate?
While there is a connection between heart rate and pulse, they are not the same. Your heart rate signifies how fast your heart beats at any moment, whereas your pulse is how you can feel your heart rate. Each heartbeat squeezes and propels blood through the arteries in your body.
Is heart rate more accurate than pulse?
There is usually minimal difference between heart rate and pulse rate, if any. However, certain health conditions, medications, or circumstances may make it harder to detect the pulse in your arms, potentially affecting the accuracy of these measurements.
What is the difference between pulse pressure and heart rate?
Heart rate and blood pressure measure distinct aspects of health. Heart rate records the number of heartbeats per minute, while blood pressure quantifies the force with which blood moves through the blood vessels. Doctors utilize both metrics to assess various health aspects.
What is a normal pulse rate?
The normal pulse rate for healthy adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Pulse rate may vary and increase due to factors like exercise, illness, injury, and emotions. Generally, females aged 12 and older tend to have faster heart rates than males.
What is an unhealthy pulse rate?
Consult your doctor if your heart rate consistently exceeds 100 beats per minute or falls below 60 beats per minute (and you're not an athlete). Additionally, seek medical advice if you experience shortness of breath and unusual heart rate levels.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.