Heart Rate and Pulse: Are They the Same Thing?

Many people use the terms "heart rate" and "heartbeat" interchangeably, but are they really the same? In everyday language, you might hear someone refer to their heartbeat, especially when they feel their chest pounding after exercise or during moments of stress. However, in medical terminology, the term "heart rate" specifically refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute.

Understanding Heart Rate

Your heart functions much like the engine of a car — it's constantly working, pumping blood throughout your body. The heart rate is a measure of how hard it's working at any given moment. In a healthy adult, the normal resting heart rate typically ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute during the day.

When to Monitor Your Heart Rate

If someone experiences symptoms such as a racing heart or unusually slow pulse, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. In such cases, a healthcare provider might recommend a 24-hour Holter monitor to track heart activity. This device records your heart rate continuously, allowing doctors to assess whether your heart rate stays within normal limits during different activities — including rest, exercise, and sleep.

Why Heart Rate Matters

Monitoring your heart rate can provide valuable insights into your overall cardiovascular health. A consistently high or low heart rate outside the normal range may indicate the need for further evaluation or treatment. Depending on the findings from the Holter monitor, a physician may consider prescribing medication or other interventions to help regulate heart rhythm.