What measures the number of heartbeats over a specific time period, usually one minute?

The measure that reflects the number of heartbeats over a specific time period, typically one minute, is heart rate. Heart rate is a vital sign that indicates how many times the heart beats, providing essential information about a person's cardiovascular health.

It is commonly measured during physical examinations and can increase during exercise, stress, or illness, while resting heart rates can vary based on factors such as fitness level, age, and overall health. Understanding heart rate is crucial for assessing a patient's condition and determining appropriate medical interventions.

Blood pressure refers to the force of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels and does not specifically indicate the number of heartbeats. Cardiac output describes the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, which is a function of heart rate and stroke volume. Pulse pressure represents the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, providing insights into cardiovascular health but not the actual heart rate itself.