Question

Define pulse and Blood pressure.

Answer 1

The blood pressure is the force the flowing blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels whereas the heart rate or the pulse is the number of heart beats per minute. Both are indicators of good health.

Complete Answer:
Pulse is the count of heartbeat. It is the number of times the heart beats in one minute. The normal heart rate of a healthy human is 72 beats/ minute. The pulse is low during rest and higher during physical activities. The heartbeat or pulse becomes irregular in an unhealthy person.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries and veins. It is expressed in terms of systolic and diastolic pressure. It is measured as millimetres of mercury above the atmospheric pressure. The normal blood pressure of an adult is 120/80 mmHg. When the blood pressure is high, the state is called hypertension and it is called hypotension when the blood pressure is low. Diseases like heart diseases, kidney failure and even stroke and early death can happen due to prolonged hypertension.

Additional Information: Blood pressure is measured by sphygmomanometer whereas pulse is measured by pressing the index fingers tightly on the wrist. The blood flowing in the blood vessels can be felt by the fingers. Beats are counted for 10 seconds. Further heart beat per minute can be calculated by multiplying the counts by 6.

Note: Heart rate and blood pressure are closely related to each other. The increase in blood pressure can decrease the heart rate. Nerves and hormones balance and monitor the heart rate and blood pressure.