Blood Pressure & Heart Rate: Relationship & Differences

Blood pressure and heart rate are the key components with functionalities often intertwined for an individual’s overall physical well-being. Blood pressure is the force that is exerted by circulating blood on the arterial walls. Blood pressure involves two measures, Systolic which is the pressure during heartbeats, and Diastolic which is the pressure between the heartbeats. The right balance of systolic and diastolic pressure ensures that sufficient oxygen is delivered throughout the body. 

High blood pressure or hypertension contributes to 691,095 deaths in the US alone. Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. It reflects the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood throughout the body. Understanding the correlation between blood pressure and heart rate is crucial to be prepared for any cardiovascular emergency. Keep reading to explore the impact of heart rate vs blood pressure on the heart and body.

 

Pulse vs Blood Pressure: How are they interlinked?

When the heart contracts during each beat, known as the Systole, blood flow is propelled into the arteries. This increases the blood pressure. Consecutively during the heart’s relaxation phase(diastole) the elevated pressure is stabilized. Below mentioned are the points of correlation between pulse(heart rate) and blood pressure.

 

• Dynamic Synchronization: Pulse reflects the heart rate, the number of times the heart contracts in a minute. Blood pressure on the other hand is the force of blood against artery walls during heartbeats (systolic) and between beats (diastolic).
• Direct Relationship: A faster heartbeat often corresponds to an increase in blood pressure. But elevated blood pressure may result from the heart working harder, leading to a higher heart rate.
• Supply and Demand: Heartbeats adapt to the body’s response based on the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients. Blood circulation and pressure ensure a consistent supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to tissues and organs.
• Response to Stress and Activity: Heartbeat quickens during exercise, stress, or excitement to meet heightened demand. Blood pressure adapts to maintain steady blood flow, responding to changes in heart rate.
• Health Indicators: Irregularities in the heartbeat may signal arrhythmias or underlying cardiac issues. Persistent high blood pressure can strain the heart, impacting long-term cardiovascular health.

 

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What can be the health risks associated with High Blood Pressure and High Heart Rate?

An elevated blood pressure and heart rate can indicate a potential health condition. Understanding the health risks associated with high blood pressure and rapid heart rate is important as it will help treat the condition immediately. Prolonged elevated pressure and heart rate can be detrimental to one’s health. Let’s go through some of the potential health risks associated with hypertension and elevated heart rate-

• High blood pressure forces the heart to pump against increased resistance causing cardiovascular strain. Elevated heart rates demand greater oxygen supply and thereby strains the cardiovascular system even further.
• Prolonged hypertension and elevated heart rates damages arteries, making them less flexible.
• High blood pressure also strains the blood vessels affecting organs and leading to kidney damage. A persistent high blood pressure may also lead to the rupture of the blood vessels increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

 

Read More: Get lifesaving tips from PALS Experts.

 

Blood Pressure vs Heart Rate: Symptoms to look out for-

 

Amidst the highs and lows of daily life, it is important to closely observe the signs that your body might be showing. Heart rate and high blood pressure, both these vital metrics can say a lot about your cardiovascular health. Below are the common symptoms that might arise due to high blood pressure and heart rate-

• If your heart is thumping really loud, and irregularly, consult a doctor at the earliest.
• On suddenly standing up if you feel dizzy and lightheaded, observe and notice closely.
• A sharp and throbbing headache at the back of your health might be a symptom of degrading cardiovascular health.
• If your vision is suddenly akin to looking through foggy glasses, your body might be signaling that it needs attention.
• Tightness and chest discomfort can be alarming if you are diagnosed with hypertension. Seek medical help.
• If you are feeling unusually fatigued and drained out even after resting, consult a doctor as this might indicate a problem.

 

Read More: Decode the purpose of a PALS course

 

Conclusion

High blood pressure and rapid heartbeats can be hereditary. If you have someone in your family with hypertension, educate yourself on the signs, and symptoms and take important measures. If detected early and at the right time, cardiovascular conditions including hypertension and high heart rate if not cured can be managed. Several online courses including PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification programs comprehensively cover the dynamics of hypertension and the relationship and differences between heart rate vs blood pressure. To take note of the signals and understand the symptoms that your body exhibits, it is important to be aware and educated. Get certified today and bring awareness about a disease that affects 1 out of 4 adults in the US.