2 Answers

Both a pulse and a heart rate are generated from the same place: the apex of the heart, located at the bottom of the heart muscle. Since they both have the same origin, in healthy individuals the heart rate will indicate the measurement of the pulse rate--the numbers should be the same. However, there can be times when heart rate does not match pulse rate. Understanding the workings of the cardiovascular system can be fascinating.

What is Heart Rate?

The heart is a muscle under the control of the autonomic nervous system, according to Merck.com. The heart is the pump of the cardiovascular system of the body. Each time the heart contracts, or pumps, it pushes blood through the various veins, arteries and capillaries of the system. Heart rate is measured in beats per minute or bpm. The number of contractions, or beats, each minute is a measurement that the medical professionals use for diagnosis and tracking of medical conditions.

What is Pulse?

Pulse is the mechanical generation of the flow of the blood that is pulsing through the arterial portion of the cardiovascular system. Pulse is caused by the consistent contractions of the heart. Pulse can be measured in beats per minute and is often used to determine the heart rate.

What is a Normal Heart Rate?

According to Mayo Clinic, the normal heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Measuring heart rate is often used to determine the condition of the heart. For example, athletes often have lower heart rate than non-athletes with heart rates between 40 to 60 beats per minute, says Mayo Clinic. The lower the heart rate the more efficiently the heart is working. This indicates better cardiovascular fitness.

What is a Normal Pulse?

In healthy individuals, a normal pulse rate should be the same as a normal heart rate--between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A normal pulse rate can be determined by feeling an arterial pulse point with the first two fingers. The most common pulse points are on the wrist (radial artery) or on the neck alongside the windpipe (carotid artery). A pulse in these areas should feel strong and even.

When Heart Rate and Pulse Do Not Match

Abnormal heart conditions called arrhythmias can occur causing the heart to contract irregularly with beats that are too fast or too slow. Each normal contraction of the heart is generated at the apex (bottom) of the heart by an electrical impulse that passes through the heart tissue. When there are too many electrical impulses produced or when the electrical impulses are being generated from a place within the heart other than the apex, the heart is not able to contract efficiently. When it cannot contract correctly, not all of the blood is being pushed out of the heart, which means that not every contraction is generating a pulse beat. Thus, heart rate will not match pulse rate. Please note that arrhythmias are medical emergencies.

Yes, it is.