Does it matter if I regularly exceed my MHR?

[RubyTiger]

I graduated in November and since then have been regularly running 5K 2 or 3 times a week. My time is now consistently just over 35 mins. I generally run at a steady pace and I although I can't claim I find it easy,I don't get particularly breathless and always manage a sprint at the end. I was forced to use a treadmill last week because of the weather and found my heart rate was consistently over 160, sometimes 170. This is way over the 75-80% that is recommended-my MHR should be around 149 as I am 71. I have a low bmp, around 64 resting, a BMI of 20 (although this is flattering as I have lots of surplus fat but very light bones!) My blood pressure is on the low side of normal. I am healthy with no known health issues. I am not and have never been an athlete-I am active but have never done much exercise in the past though I managed the C25K without too many hiccups. If I followed the advice on line, I would have to slow down so much, I may as well not run, in fact I would be so demotivated, I would stop.Given how busy Doctors are, I can't as a healthy individual go to them for guidance. Has anyone else had this issue? When I am running, I don't feel as if I am about to have a heart attack but according to the internet, I should be on the point of collapse! What is going on? Do hope someone can help other than tell me to stop running!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I'm sure I often exceed my MHR but I don't know because I don't have a heart monitor. I go with how I feel and as long as I'm still standing and still breathing at the end I'm happy 🙂

Sorry that's not very helpful but if you're at all concerned then I suggest you see your GP who really is the best person to advise you on this. We're all different and only your GP knows your medical history. Yes they're busy but you're a patient and this is what they're for. Can you perhaps phone the surgery to arrange a telephone call with your doctor but they might want to see you to check blood pressure, etc. My philosophy is if it's a question of your heart then take no risks and err on the side of caution.

Once you have the peace of mind you can run to your heart's content 🤗🤗

[RubyTiger in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks- that is helpful. I dont normally use a monitor, just go with how I feel but used one on the rare occasion I was on a treadmill. I wasn't worried until I mentioned it to someone and they were really alarmed.All the information I see on line is doom and gloom but I just can't believe it. Maybe I should have a check up with the nurse but I feel awkward as I am not ill, in fact since starting running, I've never felt fitter!

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to RubyTiger]

Some people are alarmists especially when they see us running. We're doing all sorts of harm apparently! You're probably absolutely fine but the fact you raised the question here suggests you are a bit concerned so you should ask the question of your GP. If it makes you feel better, I've seen my GP for all sorts of weird and wonderful ailments since running because I'm so paranoid something is going to get in the way of my running 🙄

[RubyTiger in reply to Irishprincess]

Ta- just found some old posts which say no need to worry but I think I will check it out. I'm so lucky to be in good health and able to run, like you I don't want to have to stop now

[Flyingred Graduate10]

My MHR is at least 28 bpm higher than my theoretical maximum! I have seen 188 on occasions when I have finished my run with a few hundred metres sprint. So, I wouldn't be worried about it. I believe a far better indicator is whether you are able to hold a conversation while running at your normal pace – which indicates that you are exercising aerobically. If you feel well then you are well!

[RubyTiger in reply to Flyingred]

Thanks- I think I will ignore the HR- I don't normally bother to measure it, it was only because I was on a treadmill and I used the monitor to relieve the boredom! I feel fine when running so will just continue as I am. Moral is, don't follow advice on the internet as it's often wrong. I suspect I would get the same from the NHS, following official guidelines to cover themselves

[Rosy230973 in reply to RubyTiger]

Solution. Don’t run on a treadmill. Run outside and you won’t get bored or worry about your heart!

[RubyTiger in reply to Rosy230973]

Agreed, treadmill was always last resort. May just have an extra days rest if too bad outside

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. I don't check mine as I don't have the tech . May just put in your mind at ease of u speak with nurse or doctor

Let us know how u get on

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

When I bought my garmin I set it up with max HR as 220-age. I then did a parkrun and my watch kept telling me that I was exceeding the max. After discussing it here , I removed the alarm setting. Although I look at the trend of heart rate, I now ignore the actual figures. Far more important is how I’m feeling and listening to my breathing.

[RubyTiger]

Ta- I will just carry on while I feel ok. Easy for me to ignore my HR as I don't generally know what it is. It was only measuring it on the treadmill that alerted me to a possible problem and as I hate treadmills, it wont happen again! I don't generally get concerned about health things but on this, I made the mistake of mentioning it to someone and he was the prophet of doom. I'll go with with the maxim- if you feel ok, you are ok. Hope the snow clears, planning on doing the Park Run tomorrow. Thanks again

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I'm 72, resting heart rate often as low as mid 40s (according to my Garmin), low blood pressure, running heart rate regularly high like yours. I've had an ECG and all is normal. My only problem is if I stop too soon - I have to keep walking briskly after a run or I start to faint ... I guess because I'm coming down from high to my normal low heart rate. My GP isn't concerned (we did the blood tests and ECG just to be sure, but she wasn't worried - and I'm better than normal across the board). I'm still alive and still running