Pulse is the feeling of the heart pumping blood through the arteries, commonly felt in the neck or wrist, with a normal rate around 60 beats per minute. Blood pressure is measured as the force of blood flow from the heart through the arteries, considered normal below 120/80, and is influenced by factors like heart rate, blood volume, and vessel size. Over time, high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to arteriosclerosis where plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing their opening and increasing blood pressure.