What does pulse rate indicate?

The pulse rate is a vital sign that reflects how many times the heart beats within a minute. This measurement is critical because it provides insights into the overall fitness and health of an individual. A normal resting pulse rate can vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and fitness status, but typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.

Understanding pulse rate is fundamental in many aspects of healthcare and emergency response, as it helps assess heart function and can indicate potential medical issues if it is abnormally high or low. Other options, while related to heart function or overall health, pertain to different aspects of cardiovascular or respiratory assessment rather than the direct measure of how often the heart beats.