What factors can affect pulse rate?

The influence of various factors on pulse rate is significant, and all the options provided capture essential components contributing to variations in heart rate.

Age and gender play a crucial role; for instance, infants typically have a higher pulse rate compared to adults, while hormonal differences in gender can also lead to varying heart rates.

Diet and hydration are also pertinent. Certain foods and hydration levels can impact cardiac function and pulse. Caffeine and other stimulants can temporarily elevate heart rate, while dehydration may lead to increased heart rate as the body works to maintain adequate blood flow.

Medication can have profound effects on pulse rate as well. Some medications are designed to lower heart rate, while others may increase it. Fitness level is equally important, where individuals who are more physically fit tend to have a lower resting pulse rate due to enhanced cardiovascular efficiency.

As each of these factors—age and gender, diet and hydration, medication and fitness level—affects heart rate in distinct ways, the comprehensive answer acknowledges the combined influence of all these elements, thereby validating the choice of selecting all of the above as the correct response.