Heart rate is how many times the heart beats in a minute. Blood pressure is how hard the blood pushes on the artery wall. A clinic visit usually records both. A faster count does not automatically mean the pressure is higher.

American Heart Association News, on May 16, 2023, quoted Scott Collier of Appalachian State University. Blood pressure is the force of the blood moving through the vessels. Heart rate is the number of times in one minute that the heart beats. For most adults, a resting heart rate on that page is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Some athletes are as low as 40.

The pressure is written as two numbers, in millimeters of mercury. On the Association's page Blood Pressure Explained, the top number is systolic, the push against the artery wall while the heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic, the push while the heart muscle rests between beats.

Line What it measures How it is written
Heart rate, also called pulse Beats in one minute beats per minute
Blood pressure Force against the artery wall systolic over diastolic, mm Hg

The count and the pressure can move apart

Cleveland Clinic published this on November 1, 2023, with cardiologist Luke Laffin. Blood pressure and heart rate often rise and fall together. Facing danger, both can jump. A higher heart rate does not automatically mean a higher pressure. A higher pressure does not automatically mean a faster heart rate. In dehydration, bleeding, or a severe infection, blood pressure typically falls and the heart rate rises.

Home kits usually print both numbers on one screen. The pressure is still read on its own line. Both can rise with exertion. The American Heart Association says to let the person sit quietly for a few minutes before the pressure reading. John Flack, quoted in the May 16 article, said the reading should not be taken right after a flight of stairs.

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