When The Heartbeat And Pulse Beat Don’t Match, What Exists In The Animal?
The heart rate and the pulse rate are distinct but related measures of the rate at which an animal’s heart is pumping blood through its body. The heartbeat is the number of times the heart beats in a minute, and the pulse rate is the number of times the bloodstream pushes that blood through the vessels. It is easy to confuse them; however, it is important to understand the difference between the two.
In order for an animal’s heart to keep a healthy flow of blood throughout its body, the heartbeat and pulse rate must match. If the two are not in sync, then something is wrong. The possible causes for this include a heart rate that is too slow or too fast, an irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, or problems with the electrical pathways of the heart.
When the heartbeat and pulse rate do not match, the animal may experience other symptoms. This can include fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat. Without proper treatment, issues such as these can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack or stroke.
To help diagnose an animal’s condition, your veterinarian may recommend performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test, which measure the electrical impulses of the heart. Additionally, your veterinarian may order additional tests, such as an echocardiogram, to check for any abnormalities in the heart valve or structure. These tests help to determine the cause of the mismatched heart and pulse rates.
Treatment for mismatched heart and pulse rates will vary depending on the cause. If the animal has a heart problem, such as an irregular heartbeat or heart valve problems, they may need surgery or medication to help correct the issue. On the other hand, if the cause of the mismatched rates is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as being overweight or having a high-sodium diet, then your veterinarian may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk.
If you are concerned that the heartbeat and pulse of your animal may not match, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will work with you to assess the animal’s condition and provide the best possible treatment option in order to keep them healthy and safe.