Pulse

Definition

A pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery as blood is forced through it, typically felt at various points on the body where arteries are close to the skin. It is an indicator of heart rate and the health of the cardiovascular system.

Related terms

Heart Rate:

The number of times your heart beats per minute, indicating how often it pumps blood through your body.

Blood Pressure:

The force that circulating blood exerts against the walls of blood vessels, influenced by various factors including arterial health.

Vascular Resistance: The resistance that must be overcome to push blood through the circulatory system, affected by vessel diameter and blood viscosity.