The main difference between heart rate and blood pressure is that heart rate is the speed of heartbeat that varies based on the needs of the body whereas blood pressure is the pushing strength generated by the heart on the blood.
Heart rate and blood pressure are two parameters that interpret the health of the cardiovascular system of the body. They also influence the health of the heart, the muscular pump that pressurizes the blood against the walls of the blood vessels in order to transport it throughout the body.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Heart Rate
– Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is Blood Pressure
– Definition, Facts, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Blood Pressure, Diastolic Pressure, Heart Rate, Resting Heart Rate (RHR), Systolic Pressure
What is Heart Rate
Heart rate is the speed at which the heart beats. It is also called the pulse. The normal heart rate is called the resting heart rate (RHR) and it is 60 to 100 beats per minute in a healthy adult. The heart rate changes based on the age, activity level, medication, body position, stress, etc. The heart rate generally increases with the age.
Figure 1: Heart Rate in a Line Wave
The low heart rate or the weak pulse is called bradycardia. It is caused by hypertension, heart muscle damage, electrolyte imbalance, etc. The faster heart rate is called tachycardia is caused by the interruptions inside the heart, infections, etc.
What is Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to the pressure of blood inside the circulatory system. It consists of two measurements of blood pressure and is represented as 120/80 mmHg. The two pressure measurements are systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
- Systolic pressure measures the blood pressure against the artery wall when the heart contracts to pump blood out. It is generally 120 mmHg.
- Diastolic pressure measures the same pressure when the heart rests. It is 80 mmHg.
Figure 2: Pressure Meter
The altered conditions of blood pressure are hypertension and hypotension.
Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is caused by the high pumping pressure of the heart, which may ultimately weaken the heart while damaging blood vessels. The heart increases its pumping pressure when the organs have a poor oxygen supply. However, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Hypotension
Hypotension or low blood pressure occurs when the pumping pressure of the heart is decreased than the normal. It may cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and blurry vision.
Similarities Between Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
- Heart rate and blood pressure are two parameters of the cardiovascular system of the body.
- Both heart rate and blood pressure are important in the transport of blood throughout the body.
- Depending on the needs, both heart rate and blood pressure are altered.
- Both parameters are measured at the same time.
Difference Between Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Definition
Heart Rate: Speed at which the heart beats
Blood Pressure: Pressure of blood in the circulatory system
Measures as
Heart Rate: Beats per minute (bpm)
Blood Pressure: Millimeters per mercury (mmHg)
Regular Value
Heart Rate: 60-100 bpm
Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg
Number of Measurements
Heart Rate: A single measurement
Blood Pressure: Consists of two readings: the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure
Conclusion
Heart rate is the speed at which the heart beats while blood pressure is the pressure of blood inside the blood vessels. Both heart rate and blood pressure are important in the transport of blood throughout the body based on bodily requirements. The main difference between heart rate and blood pressure is the type of parameter described by each term.
Reference:
1. Laskowski, Edward R. “What’s a Normal Resting Heart Rate?” MAYO CLINIC, Available Here
2. MacGill , Markus. “What Is a Normal Blood Pressure?” Blood Pressure: What Is Normal? – Medical News Today, Medical News Today, Available Here
Image Courtesy
1. “heart-rate-pulse-live-line-wave-459225” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “unit-of-pressure-meter-990462″(CC0) via Pixabay
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