What could an increased pulse rate indicate?

An increased pulse rate is primarily associated with conditions that require the heart to pump more blood to meet the body's demands, such as during exercise or in response to stress. When engaging in physical activity, the body's muscles require more oxygen, which prompts the heart to beat faster to supply adequate blood flow. Similarly, stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to elevated heart rate as a reaction to perceived threats. This physiological response prepares the body for rapid action or high levels of activity, making it a key indicator of both physical exertion and psychological stress.

In contrast, the other options represent states in which the body's demands are commonly lower. For instance, relaxation or meditation usually results in a decreased heart rate as the body enters a state of calm and lower energy expenditure. Dehydration could lead to an increased pulse rate, but it is more typically indicated by significant elevation of heart rate rather than being the direct cause like exercise and stress, which actively drive the heart to pump faster. Sleep or sedation naturally lowers pulse rate as the body enters a state of rest and recovery.