Effects of high pulse rate

[butch412]

When I workout at the gym my heart rate can go over 160. The day after I can be fatigued and have a headache. Is this due the high heart rate? If so why? I am 67 and am in good shape.

[bundleblocker]

Usually if I have a headache after working out it means I'm dehydrated. The doctor tells me hydration is very important, especially as we age. I'm 72.

[MAB22]

A good rule of thumb formula for figuring out target heart rate is 220- age.  That would put your THR at 153.  This is a rule of thumb formula and sometimes have to base on individual.  From there you figure different heart zones to work in.  70-80% they say is where you achieve good aerobic fitness.  I take medication to slow my heart, as I have been diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  However, I am still able to achieve HR in 70-90% of my target heart rate.  However, I only spend a little time in upper ranges.  I base my workouts on how my BP is doing.  If i do overexert, too much time at upper ends, it can drive my HR up.  Need to take a few days off perhaps or lighter workouts.  Check out Sally Edwards Heart Zones Training, it has a lot of information.  They say that by spending more time in 70-80%, can achieve good results.  Sounds like you may be going too high.  Perhaps check you BP once in awhile, to see if you are indeed exercising correctly.  Also, check resting pulse rate, as high HR may indicate overtraining.  Hope this helps and I'm sure someone else on this forum can give you some good or better information.