Heart rate

[Forestgrump]

Just wondering. Is there a rate your heart shouldn’t really go above?. I just did a 5k run this morning and my watch’s heart rate monitor recorded a heart rate of 202. I wasn’t even pushing it that much 🤔. Is that normal?.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Depends, if your heart rate is 202 for a short time when running a 5k, that is fine, Google for expert opinion "my heart rate is 202"

[sallenson Graduate]

If you feel fine and haven't actually expired, then everything should be good. The normal "rule of thumb" arithmetic for working out your max HR is notoriously unreliable. If you've got tech that monitors HR, then set it at 202 or above and monitor it over time.

Some hard hill training should push you up towards your max, but a gentle 5K probably shouldn't.

I suspect dodgy science and equally dodgy technology gives us more headaches than we actually need.

If you feel fine and there's no history of heart problems in the family, then everything's probably okay. But you could always check with your GP if you're concerned...

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Wrist worn heart rate monitors are apparently significantly less accurate during strenuous exercise than they are for lower heart rates. Or at least that’s the basis of a court case in the States at the moment. The most likely explanation therefore is that your heart rate wasn’t actually as high as 202. I’ve often joked that if my Fitbit is right I must have the heart of a man 20 years younger than me, and whoever he is he’s probably pretty upset

But if you’re worried about it just give your GP a call. He/she will probably be able to reassure you but no harm asking.

[Forestgrump Graduate]

Cheers folks it might have been down to the gin and wine that I was force fed last night 😬