Blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) are two important vital signs measured during a healthcare visit.
Normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Heart rateis the count of heartbeats per minute.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Normal heart rate for adults at rest is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
It is determined by the electrical system of the heart, which controls its rate and rhythm.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Does Heart Rate Affect Blood Pressure?
Heart rate andblood pressureare controlled separately.
However, they can impact each other.
In some cases, heart rate has a direct effect on blood pressure.
This happens because the heart rate is affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood.
On the other hand, blood pressure can also have an effect on heart rate.
It does so to venture to compensate and provide blood flow to the body.
For example, this is seen inhypovolemicshock triggered by low blood volume.
Heart rate is given in units of beats per minute (bpm).
Some wearable devices also monitor heart rate.
This includes:
Temporary conditions like dehydration orcaffeineintake also can affect heart rate.
Tips for Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is best measured in a state of comfortable rest.
First, sit on a chair with your feet on the floor for five minutes.
ensure your arm is at heart level and rests on a table.
Then take your pressure, being sure to use a right-sized cuff.
Don’t take your pressure within 30 minutes of exercising, smoking, or eating.
However, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any recent medication changes.
They function separately, but one can change in response to the other.
It’s normal for blood pressure and heart rate to increase in response to exercise and stress.
American Heart Association.Understanding blood pressure readings.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Whats the Difference?
American Heart Association.All about heart rate (pulse).
Harvard Health Publishing.Understanding the stress response.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Low Blood Pressure.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erectile Dysfunction.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.High Blood Pressure Causes and Risk Factors.
Mah DY.Wearable technology for heart rhythm monitoring in children.Heart Rhythm.
2024 May;21(5):590-591. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.003
American Heart Association.How to accurately measure blood pressure at home.
American Heart Association.Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Symptoms.
American Heart Association.Tachycardia: fast heart rate.
