Heart Rate when exercising

[Electricblue1]

Hi, what is an acceptable HR when exercising, I only walk fast at the moment but I’m always fearful when my HR goes up to high. I know it’s normal to go up but what should I be looking out for and what is normal . I think as my HR keeps going High lately I get scared in case the walking fast may set it off.

[BobD Volunteer]

Try not to get so hung up on numbers. It is how you feel that matters and listen to your body. Exercise so you can talk at the same time is the best guide.

[Kennyb1968 in reply to BobD]

Absolutely - this is brilliant advice.

[mjames1]

As a general guide, "light-moderate" exercise is normally at 50 to 70% of your maximum heart rate. A good guide here is that you should be able to hold a conversation while exercising. 70-85% of maximum is more intense exercise. Your cardio should guide you how long and what is best for you. Also lots of online material on this but be sure to match the material/studies to your age and condition and then run the plan by your doc. The general formula for maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. So if you are 70 years old, your predicted maximum heart rate would be 150 (220-70). Exercising at 70% of maximum would be at 105 bpm.

As to "what you should be looking for" it depends on prior conditions and reasonable expectations. For example, if I'm walking at a pace where my heart rate is normally 100 and all of a sudden it jumps to 150 without additional exertion, I stop and take an ecg with my Kardia or Apple Watch. Because that's not normal for me and invariably it will show that I am having either an afib, SVT or aflutter episode. Of course, chest pain, inappropriate breathlessness, dizziness, etc, are all signs something is wrong and you may need medical attention.

Jim

[lovetogarden]

Great advice already offered by BobD and mjames1. I’ve always had a heart rate that exceeded the “220-your age” guidelines, but I still use that as a starting point. For example, my 70% /good moderate exercise point is about 110. But even on a nice comfortable walking “l can still have a conversation” pace, my rate will go up over that and I feel fine. As long as your heart rate comes down soon after you’ve stopped exercising the all’s well.

When I first started running again, I was concerned that the higher heart rates would trigger afib or tachycardia, but that hasn’t happened. My heart rate does get quite high when I start running, but that’s normal and it settles down as I continue. And drops down quickly at the end. The running (slow running!) is making such a huge difference for my heart.

I bet you’ll find you’ll be more confident as you continue to exercise and see that your heart isn’t getting triggered, but getting healthier.

[Jajarunner]

Hi, for fitness purposes you should be able to talk in short bursts. If you can talk as normal it will have less effect (though still better than doing nothing) and if you are gasping it is too much. Hope this helps. I'm a personal trainer specialising in training those with medical problems, by the way 😀

[Singwell]

I'm coming up to 66 and as you know had my ablation soon after yours. I've been up to 120 briefly and 100 more regularly when speeding up on a walk. None of which seemed to do me any harm. Bob's advice is good - if you feel OK do it. You can always sit down for a few minutes os simply stand still if you feel you're overdoing it.

[RoyMacDonald]

I set my rate at 154 max because that's what I see on my heart monitor when I start getting breathless cycling on a very steep hill. I'm 78. I control my SVT with good living and rarely have any episodes. In SVT it can be 254 so I try to avoid that. It's rarely an issue nowadays as I'm so good at controlling the AF.

All the best.

Roy

[James_43 in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Dear Roy,Huge congratulations on your success! May I ask, what aspects helped you in particular to control your AF? All success stories are welcome!

Best wishes to you for continued good health!

James

[RoyMacDonald in reply to James_43]

Suggest you do a search for my posts as I've stated what I do many times and it gets boring writing the same things over and over. Every body is different a well so that doesn't help. Sorry.

All the best.

Roy

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiI have AF with exertion.

If you can take meds to control the rapid then as long as thr HR returns under 100 you are good.

But on Metroprolol HR 186

On Bisoprolol 156. HR

On Diltiazem 120mg am and 2.5mg Bisoprolol at pm. 93 HR.

But HR night is 48.

It is the control through individual balance which gives more quality of lifw.

Introducing a CCB Calcium Channel Blocker best med ever.

cheri. JOY

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

It is the quick return that matters.

Not returning and at rest higher than 100 is HIGH HEART RATE.

Before CCB Diltiazem 120mg

On Metaprolol 187H/R average

On Bisoprolol 156H/R average

Both day on a 24 hr monitor

46 H/R average at night

NOW

On Diltiazem 120mg am. Bisoprolol 2.5mg. pm

93 H.R

Operations ahead can go ahead 100H/R and under

Recently had the. Johnson & Johnson horrid mesh TVT kit out. Surgeon said so much inflammation.

She said not inserted properly as well.

GOOD NEWS 4 weeks my Dr said NO AF!

Friday Dr said no AF but thought 1 ectopic beat

The op was 2 MARCH 2022.

I hope this helps.

No AF after STROKE AND THYROID CANCER UNDIAGNOSED. Whooppee.

I was also diagnosed with AF rapid and persistent with the admission.

Energy has returned and improving everyday.

cheri. JOY