Is Heart Beat Same as Pulse Rate?
Many people assume heart beat and pulse rate are the same—but there’s a subtle yet important difference. Your heartbeat is the actual contraction of your heart muscle, pumping blood through your arteries, while your pulse is the pressure wave you feel in your wrist, neck, or fingertip. In most healthy individuals, heart rate vs pulse rate matches, making wearable devices accurate for tracking fitness. However, certain conditions like arrhythmias, weak circulation, or dehydration can create a pulse deficit, where not every heartbeat produces a palpable pulse. Understanding the difference between heartbeat vs heart rate and pulse rate helps you monitor your cardiovascular health, interpret your smartwatch data correctly, and spot early warning signs of potential heart issues before they become serious.
