Debunking Top Five Myths About Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Heart rate and blood pressure go together and they are measured together by doctors. However, they do not signify the same thing. 

Heart rate, or the pulse, is the number of heart beats in a minute, while the blood pressure represents the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Michael Faulx, Cleveland Clinic’s cardiologist talks about several main differences between these too which might surprise you alongside with a few myths busted.

1. Blood pressure and heart rate always go hand in hand

False: Truth be told, they usually rise and fall together as Dr. M. Faulx remarks, when we face danger our pulse and blood pressure rise simultaneously. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that if one of these rise or fall, the other one will automatically do the same. He also says that if the two are disconnected, there may be a problem. For instance, if your blood pressure is high all the time, while your heart rate doesn’t change you may need a treatment.

2. 120/80 - the only normal

False: everything that is normal for one person is not for another. Which means this “normal“ rate may vary from one person to another. The optimal blood pressure, however, is 120 mmHg systolic over 80 mmHg diastolic. Relating to the heart rate, the span is from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Dr. Faulx adds that you should consult your doctor and establish your normal baseline.

3. If your BP is low you have a problem

False: Once again, what’s healthy and good for one person may not be for another. Dr. Faulx also says that if, for instance, a young, slim person happens to have a resting heart rate in the 50s or the 40s , it can actually be a great sign as a result of his or her good shape. He also adds that low blood pressure can cause problems in older patients and patients with heart diseases. However, their bodies will give away what’s happening inside. That’s why it’s very important to pay attention to certain symptoms.

4. High blood pressure or heart rate can sometimes be dangerous

True: This one is true, however, “normal” varies. Dr. Faulx says that it’s been proven that when blood pressure is over the typical average, no matter how little or how much that is, it may cause heart disease or stroke. The high blood pressure can also affect your blood vessels negatively. He also says that studies have shown that people who run a faster heart rate are at higher risk of having cardiac problems, but they are not quite sure if that’s the cause of the problem or only a sign of what’s happening.

5. Be careful when you measure

True: Dr. Faulx advises you saying you must feel relaxed when you’re measuring your resting heart rate. It’s also not recommendable to do it after exercising. Another important thing is that for patients with atrial fivrillation, the heart rate is more important to watch, still many other diseases depend on the blood pressure. That’s why you should always measure both.

Dr. Faulx concludes that it’s great that the automated kits we buy at drugstores give blood pressure and pulse on one readout, that’s why there’s no reason not to check them both, for your own sake.