Pulse vs. Heart Rate: Are They the Same Thing?

Yes—when you count your pulse, you are counting your heartbeats. The pulse is a pressure wave generated by each ventricular contraction that travels through the arteries. It can be felt at superficial sites like the radial artery (wrist), carotid artery (neck), or temporal artery (temple).

Each palpable beat corresponds to one cardiac cycle, so the pulse rate (beats per minute) equals the heart rate. However, in certain arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation), not every heartbeat produces a palpable pulse, leading to a pulse deficit where the heart rate exceeds the pulse rate.

For most people in normal sinus rhythm, checking your pulse is a reliable, non-invasive way to measure heart rate.