Maximum Heart Rate

  After having a bypass with no heart attack, I have started an exercise program.  
  1. What is my optimal target heart rate for exercising? I am 52 years old, plus exercise aerobically for 30 minutes per day. Please comment on these calculations.
  I have read that one method determining maximum heart rate is:
  for sedentary individuals is 220-age, and for those who exercise aerobically- the formula is 206-(one half of age.) The literature suggests 65%-75% of maximum is the target heart rate.
  Using the first equation - my THR would be 134, and using the second, my THR would be 116 using 65%.  I am confused why your THR might be lower if you regularly exercise.
  2. Can you improve the heart and rehabilitation by going to 75% or is 65% adequate? At what point are you risking yourself?
  3. What is the benefit to the heart by exercising at THR versus, just exercise like walking at a moderate pace.
Dear Rob
The target heart rate I recommend is 65% to 75% of (220-age). For you that would be about 110 to 125. These are, of course, guidelines; basically, you want to work hard enough to sweat, but not so hard that you are exhausted. When you start an exercise program, it is better to start on the lower end of the spectrum. As you increase your workload, think about increasing the duration of exercise more than just the intensity. Walking at a moderate pace is also good exercise for the heart, but you are unlikely to burn lots of calories that way. You see, in addition to strengthening the heart, exercise is also useful for losing weight, and this is directly related to the amount of calories you burn.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.  Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.