max heart rates

[paco]

Not using formula of 220-age is Max heart rate the highest rate attainable or highest atainable for a specified amount of time.

The reason for asking is that when i use the table formula exercising at the suggested rate does not seem to be enough.
It only takes a slow walk to reach these levels in heart rate.

I am 51 years old, slightly high cholestrol, and have been exercising approx. 3X weekly.  Weight 180# so am also trying to reduce.  

thanks,

[GEG]

I am 68 years old and my maximal heart rate is in the range of 260 or higher, much higher than indicated by the 220 rule.  I just finished walking approx. 3 miles including a long up-hill sector and my heart rate was 256 at the top of the hill.  I suffered no ill effects, didn't feel over-stressed and was not breathing hard.  When I returned home, within 15 or so minutes my heart rate returned to 70 and I feel fine.  This has been the case for years.  Is this something I should be concerned about or is my maximal heart rate just naturally high.  If it is, what would cause it to be so high.

[WJS]

I would say (220 - Age) * .85 would be a lot safer and healthier.  That would give you a max of about 145.

If you are in condition, you should be able jog at a reasonable rate without exceeding 145.

If you go up to 170 just walking, you really have a problem.  I am in average condition, with 2 vessel coronary artery disease, and have a H.R. of 100 BPM fast walking on level ground.  I don't think any high intensive exercise like running or playing tennis would be good under those conditions.  

I would recommend walking at least 45 minutes, twice a day, with some hills in your route to build up your endurance.  Swimming would also be good.

On the weekends do something longer.  Hiking is great, if you live in an area with good places to hike.

[wingtip]

I am a 30 year old male who has a heart rate while jogging or lifting weights that averages around 180 but exceeds 210 quite often, and several times has exceeded the max heart rate on my poler monitor of 240, yet my cardiologist feels that it isn't a problem, and it is a safe heart beat.  It has exceeded 200 bpm while I had played cards under light stress for periods of up to two hours, but it seems like this is normal for my heart, so the doctor's haven't recomended any radical treatments.  The trick seems to be working into it easy and backing off if dizzyness or chest pain occur.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear paco,
Maximum heart rate will vary from individual to individual but in general it decreases with age.  The formula 220-age gives a rough idea of what the maximum heart rate for an individual of a given age would be.  The true maximum heart rate can only be determined during a maximal exercise stress test.  Doctors can then make exercise prescriptions based on these findings.  

In general for someone just starting an exercise program it is better to have a lower heart rate for longer rather than a higher heart rate for a shorter period of time.  So the recommendations are often for a target heart rate of 65-80% of maximum heart rate for 45-60 min most days of  the week.  If someone is very deconditioned they may rapidly reach their maximum heart rate.  For these individuals a lower intensity program must be followed until they are more fit.  These recommendations may vary so it is important for individuals who have not been exercising to have an evaluation with their doctor prior to starting an exercise program.