What does "pulse" refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, "pulse" refers specifically to the number of heartbeats per minute. It is a vital sign that indicates the heart's activity and can provide information about a person’s cardiovascular health. The pulse is typically measured at various points on the body where an artery is near the skin's surface, allowing healthcare providers to assess heart rate, rhythm, and strength.

When assessing pulse, it reflects not just the number of times the heart beats, but can also provide insight into how well the heart is pumping blood throughout the body. Changes in the pulse rate can indicate various health conditions and can guide further medical evaluation or intervention. Other options like the rhythm of breathing, frequency of blood pressure, and number of breaths per minute relate to different physiological measurements and are not synonymous with pulse.