Heartbeat/Heart rate

Definition

The heartbeat, or heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. It's a vital sign that helps assess the overall health and fitness level of an individual.

Analogy

Think of your heart as the drummer in a band. Just like how the drummer sets the pace for all other instruments to follow, your heart sets the pace for blood circulation in your body. A faster beat (increased heart rate) means more oxygen and nutrients are being delivered to cells quickly, just like a fast drum beat can energize a song.

Related terms

Cardiovascular System: This is the body system that includes your heart and blood vessels, which work together to circulate blood throughout your body.

Pulse: This is essentially another way to measure your heart rate by feeling it on different parts of your body such as wrist or neck where arteries are close to skin surface.

Arrhythmia: This term refers to irregularities in heartbeat rhythm. It's like when our drummer loses his beat; it can cause problems with how effectively our 'band' (body) performs.