Blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) are two important vital signs measured at your healthcare visits. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood on the blood vessel walls. Blood vessels can be thought of as a plumbing system, and they can widen or constrict to control blood pressure. Show
Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is determined by the electrical system of the heart. This article discusses the relationship between your heart rate and blood pressure, factors that can affect each of them, and when to seek help for abnormal readings. Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images Does Heart Rate Affect Blood Pressure?Heart rate and blood pressure are controlled separately. However, they can impact each other. This is especially true at extremes, such as when heart rate is very high or blood pressure is very low. In some cases, heart rate has a direct effect on blood pressure. For example, if the heart rate becomes dangerously high, such as during an arrhythmia, blood pressure often drops. This happens because the heart rate is too high for the heart to pump blood effectively. On the other hand, blood pressure can also have an effect on heart rate. If you experience a condition called shock, in which the blood pressure is dangerously low, the heart rate typically rises. It does so to try to compensate and provide blood flow to the body. For example, this is seen in hypovolemic shock caused by low blood volume. The Heart and Nervous SystemHigh blood pressure and high heart rate can be seen with exercise and emotional stress. This is because the sympathetic nervous system is activated for the fight-or-flight response. Due to stimulation from the nervous system, heart rate increases and blood vessels constrict to increase blood pressure. Factors That Affect Blood PressureBlood pressure is affected by the nervous system, hormones, the amount of circulating blood, and the heart. Blood vessels have special receptors on them that allow them to dilate, or widen, and contract in response to various changes. Lower blood pressure may be seen with:
Higher blood pressure is seen with:
Measuring Blood Pressure and Heart RateBlood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and given in units of milligrams of mercury (mm Hg). Heart rate can be measured with an automated blood pressure cuff, with a pulse oximeter, or manually by counting the pulse. Heart rate is given in units of beats per minute (bpm). Factors That Affect Heart RateHeart rate is very sensitive to the nervous system, hormones, and volume status. This includes:
Medications such as
stimulants, asthma medication, some antidepressants, and thyroid medication can increase heart rate. Drugs including beta blockers,
calcium channel blockers, and digoxin can slow heart rate. When to See a ProviderA single abnormal reading for blood pressure or heart rate is not always a cause for alarm. However, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. High Blood Pressure Anyone who notices high blood pressure readings should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. High blood pressure increases the risk of
stroke, heart attack, and
heart failure. Tips for Measuring Blood PressureBlood pressure is best measured in a state of comfortable rest. First, sit on a chair with your feet on the floor for five minutes. Make sure your arm is at heart level and rests on a table. Then take your pressure, being sure to use a right-sized cuff. Don't take your pressure within 30 minutes of exercising, smoking, or eating. Low Blood PressureLow blood pressure in the presence of symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, or fainting, with signs of bleeding or infection, is also a reason to have a medical evaluation. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any recent medication changes. Discuss any signs of
infection (like fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, or painful urination), or signs of bleeding (like dark colored stools or blood in the stool). High Heart RateWhen not triggered by exercise, emotional stress, or caffeine, high heart rate can indicate an underlying problem. High heart rate can cause symptoms such as:
If you have periods of high heart rate with palpitations, make note of whether your heart rate feels regular or irregular. Also note if the changes started suddenly or gradually. This information can be helpful as your healthcare provider looks for certain patterns of arrhythmia. If your healthcare provider suspects an arrhythmia, they may recommend a wearable heart monitor that can diagnose the arrhythmia. Your provider may also order lab tests like thyroid hormone tests and electrolyte levels. Low Heart RateSome people who are physically fit naturally have a low resting heart rate. Heart rate also normally decreases during sleep. If a low heart rate is found in a young and otherwise healthy individual, and it is not causing symptoms, it is not likely a cause for alarm. However, a low heart rate can indicate an underlying problem with the heart, such as heart block. Heart block is a condition in which the heart's electrical system is not functioning properly. Symptoms can include fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. Sometimes heart block requires a pacemaker. When to Seek Medical AttentionSometimes heart block is caused by a heart attack. If you have chest discomfort or nausea and a low heart rate—or any other symptoms of a heart attack—seek medical attention immediately. SummaryBlood pressure and heart rate are two closely linked vital signs that help to ensure the brain and organs receive enough blood flow. They function separately, but one can change in response to the other. It's normal for blood pressure and heart rate to increase in response to exercise and stress. Other reasons for having blood pressure or a heart rate that is too high or low may suggest an underlying health problem. A Word From VerywellWith the widespread use of wearable technology, such as fitness monitors and smart watches, heart rate information is literally at our fingertips. If you notice periods of high heart rate that occur randomly with no trigger, you could have an undiagnosed heart issue. Don't hesitant to contact your healthcare provider to schedule an evaluation. Frequently Asked Questions
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Angela Ryan Lee, MD Thanks for your feedback! Does your heart beat faster or slower with high blood pressure?High blood pressure can cause your heart's tissues to remodel. For example, the tissue may become thicker in an attempt to beat harder. It's harder for this thickened tissue to conduct electrical impulses. As a result, your pulse might slow down because it takes longer to transmit electrical impulses.
How does blood pressure affect heart rate?Does heart rate change with blood pressure? In some cases, heart rate changes in response to blood pressure. For example, when blood pressure is significantly low, the heart will increase its rate to try to compensate to keep blood flowing to the organs.
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