Optimum heart rate for blood pressure?

[MacPherson34]

For purposes of taking exercise for example with a rowing machine, has research ever been undertaken & published on the "optimum" heart rate (or range) as far as reducing blood pressure is concerned? Or is it just a case of any exercise is good for you (within limits) regardless? Gut feeling makes me think that a relatively long period of relatively moderate activity will be more beneficial than short intensive bursts, but it would be interesting to see any data that would back this up (or not!)

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! A number of factors affect BP including fitness level, weight, salt intake, etc.

The relationship between HR and BP is non-linear because blood vessels dilate to take the increased blood flow. This may not apply where there is a high degree of atherosclerosis

My understanding is that the best exercise is steady exercise with bursts towards your maximum. If you have a history of heart disease, are on beta blockers, etc. you need to discuss target and maximum rates with your GP or the rehab team.

[MacPherson34 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks and I can fully appreciate that the answer is a complex (non-linear) one with different influencing variables.

I think that at this stage I was looking for "general" principles and guidelines that I could apply outside of the specifics that you refer to. I had a vague idea that there was a "formula" that took into account one's age?