7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Menu
Featured Experts

Find a Doctor
Make an Appointment
News

Busting 5 Myths About Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Careers

Contact Us

Do the two go hand in hand?

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Pinterest

Blood pressure and heart rate go hand in hand (or arm in cuff) in most peoples minds. After all,
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

1/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

these two vital signs are measured together at the doctors office.
ADVERTISEMENT

Silent Heart Attack

Signs
These 4 Things Happen Right
Before A Silent Heart Attacks
Strikes.

But the two measure distinct factors related to your heart health. Blood pressure is the force of
blood flowing against the walls of your arteries, while heart rate (or pulse) is the number of times
your heart beats every minute. Below, Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Michael Faulx, MD, explains
some key differences and busts some common myths along the way.

1. Blood pressure and heart rate are always linked

False: It is true that blood pressure and heart rate often rise and fall together, Dr. Faulx says.
When you face danger, for example, your blood pressure and pulse may both jump upward at the
same time.
However, if your heart rate rises, that doesnt automatically mean your blood pressure will rise
or vice versa. When the two are disconnected, you may be looking at a specific problem, Dr.
Faulx says. For example, if your blood pressure is consistently high but your heart rate stays in
your typical range, we may need to look at treatment specifically for high blood pressure.

2. Theres one normal for blood pressure and heart rate

False: There are guidelines, but whats normal varies from person to person.
Optimal blood pressure is typically defined as 120 mm Hg systolic (the top number, which is the
pressure as your heart beats) over 80 mm Hg diastolic (the bottom number, which is the
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

2/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

pressure as your heart relaxes). For your resting heart rate, the target is between 60 and 100
beats per minute. But keep in mind, Both heart rate and blood pressure are a customized fit,
Dr. Faulx says. You need to work with your doctor to establish a baseline thats normal for you.
ADVERTISEMENT

Are you dragging and feeling weak? The numbers on their own dont tell the story; its the
numbers paired with how you are feeling and what symptoms you may have.

3. Going low always indicates a problem

False: Whats healthy for one person may indicate danger for another. For example, a young, fit
person may have a resting heart rate in the 50s or, in some cases, even the 40s. It can actually
be a badge, a sign of being in really good shape, Dr. Faulx notes.
Low blood pressure can be a bit trickier, especially in older patients and those with heart disease.
If youre in danger from low blood pressure, your body will tell you. Its really about how you
feel, Dr. Faulx says. Are you dragging and feeling weak? The numbers on their own dont tell
the story; its the numbers paired with how you are feeling and what symptoms you may have.

4. High blood pressure is more dangerous than high heart

rate
True: Again, normal varies. But Dr. Faulx says there is enough clinical evidence to suggest that
when blood pressure is even a little over your typical average over time, the risk for heart disease
and stroke go up. The physical effects of high blood pressure take their toll on your blood vessels.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

3/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Elevated heart rate can be a sign of danger, too, but the cause-effect relationship is not so clear.
Studies show that people who run a faster heart rate are more likely to have cardiac problems
and premature cardiac death, Dr. Faulx says. But were not sure whether that is the cause of
the problem or just a sign of whats going on.
ADVERTISEMENT
AdsbyRubiconProject

5. When you measure matters

True: To measure your resting heart rate and blood pressure, pick a time when youre feeling
relaxed, Dr. Faulx advises. Randomly sampling both measures throughout the day can also help
you reach an average. Dont take your readings right after exercising unless youre trying to
establish a baseline for active blood pressure and heart rate.
Which measure is more important depends on your health, too. For patients with atrial
fibrillation, heart rate might be more important to watch, but many other heart diseases depend
more on blood pressure. To be safe, measure both.
Almost all automated kits you buy at a drugstore are going to give you blood pressure and pulse
on one readout, Dr. Faulx says. Its convenient and theres really no reason not to stay on top
of both.

February 24, 2014 / By Heart and Vascular Team

Tags: atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, heart rate, myths, pulse
Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Pinterest

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

4/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Heart and Vascular Team

Related Posts
When Blood Pressure Goes Too Low

Hot Tubs Can Land Your Heart In Hot Water

Do You Snore? How Sleep Apnea Can Hurt Your Heart

More from Heart and Vascular Team

Cutting Back on Sodium? Make Sure You Avoid the Salty Six

Summers Bounty: Top 5 Healthy Foods for Your Heart

Can Your Mouth and Gum Disease Really Cause Heart Problems?

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

5/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Cleveland Clinic now offers same-day appointments. Get the care you need, right away
at 888.223.CARE

Same-Day Appointments
Find a Doctor
Request an Appointment
Contact Us

Most Popular
1

Throat Cancers Link to Oral Sex: What You Should Know

Dont Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down

Your Body Holds Important Clues to Your State of Health

8 Possible Causes for That Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

3 Types of Chest Pain That Wont Kill You

Featured Experts
Steven Nissen, MD

Steven Nissen, MD, is Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland

Clinic. In 2007, TIME Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the
world.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

6/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Eric A. Klein, MD

Eric A. Klein, MD, is an international leader in the biology and management of prostate cancer.
Dr. Klein serves as Chairman of the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute.

Richard Gans, MD

Richard E Gans, M.D., FACS joined the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute in 2004. He is an
accomplished surgeon and a comprehensive ophthalmologist.

Karen Cooper, DO

Karen Cooper, DO, Director of Be Well Moms in the Women's Health Institute, is boardcertified in family medicine and specializes in medical weight management.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and wellness manager for the Cleveland
Clinic Wellness Institute.
View All

Health Essentials
Brain & Spine Health
Cancer Care
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

7/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

Cold & Flu

Digestive Health
Ear, Nose & Throat
Family Medicine
Heart & Vascular Health
Lung Health
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Sports Health & Fitness
Wellness

Social Media & Mobile Apps

By posting on any site below, you are bound by the Social Media Policy.

Mobile Apps

Make a Gift

Resources

Site Information

Home

Send Us Feedback

About Cleveland Clinic

Copyright, Reprints & Licensing

Careers at Cleveland Clinic

Site Map

Giving

About this Website

Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Advertising Policy

Community Outreach

Website Terms of Use

Research & Innovations

Website Privacy Policy

Free Health eNewsletters

Notice of Privacy Practices

Resources for Medical Professionals

Media Relations
For Employees

Need Help Paying Your

Medical Bills?

Cleveland Clinic 1995-2016. All Rights Reserved. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

8/9

7/8/2016

Busting5MythsAboutBloodPressureandHeartRateHealthEssentialsfromClevelandClinic

44195 | 800.223.2273 | TTY 216.444.0261

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/02/busting5mythsaboutbloodpressureandheartrate/

9/9