What is the pulse?

The pulse is best described as a wave of arterial distension caused by heart contractions. When the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, creating pressure that travels through the arterial system. This pressure wave is what we feel when we check our pulse at various points on the body, such as the wrist or neck. The pulse serves as a vital sign, indicating both the heart rate and the overall cardiovascular health of an individual.

This understanding helps distinguish the pulse from blood pressure, which is the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels and is measured in two values (systolic and diastolic). Additionally, the pulse is not a type of blood vessel, as blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries. While heart rate variability is an important aspect of cardiovascular health, it refers to fluctuations in the time interval between heartbeats rather than the definition of pulse itself.