pulse rate [L, pulsare + reri, to calculate] , the number of pulse beats per minute, normally the same as the heart rate. The normal pulse rate in an average adult varies from 60 to 80 beats/min, with fluctuations occurring with exercise, injury, illness, and emotional reactions. The average pulse rate for a newborn is 120 beats/min, which slows throughout childhood and adolescence. At about 12 years of age, females begin to have a higher pulse rate than males.
