Heart rate too high?

So, I’ve just discovered how to view my heart rate on my app 🙈Turns out it’s around 100% peak for the duration of my runs at :185+ bpm! I’m 49 and I’ve read up that means maximum heart rate should be no more than 171bmp. My resting heart rate is between 60-64 bmp. Is this something to be concerned about? I’m going to try to a slow run this morning to see if I can get it down a bit.

[Oldlady57]

You sound like you have an excellent resting heart rate. If your concerned then you could always speak to your GP or practice nurse. I’m not a huge fan of gadgets that measure heart rates unless it’s done by a medical professional ,but that’s me. Hope your okay

[Hidden in reply to Oldlady57]

Thank you. I feel fine and was very surprised it was that high. I did wonder how accurate the recording was 🙂

[Jundal Graduate]

In a way, I both want a Garmin to tell me my heart rate, more accurate speed etc, and in the same vein, I dread the idea of getting one. If I DO get one, then I get to drool over stats, (it's a boy thing) but what if it tells me my heart is going like the clappers and I decide should stop? But knowing me and my ticky tickèr, I'd carry on anyway.

For me, I'd go on how you feel. (Please bear in mind I'm not a medical professional, so my knowledge is spotty at best) if you're utterly exhausted after a run and lethargic for a few days after, there's something wrong. If you feel great, there's probably not. But just for peace of mind write some stats down and go see your gp. He'll probably be impressed your doing something to improve your health, and will be able to advise you from there.

[Hidden in reply to Jundal]

Thank you. I’m not at all exhausted. I feel great afterwards and have no aches. I did a much slower run this morning and got it down to average 164 bmp but it still says that’s 97% peak 🤔

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The formulae used to calculate your maximum heart rate based on your age are somewhat crude and arrive at an average............you may not be average.

The only way to ascertain your real heart rate ranges is to find out what your true maximum heart rate is. It is possible to do this yourself, but is much safer to be done under medical supervision.

If you feel fine after your run and your heart rate settles quickly, then you are probably quite alright. If you have doubts then consult your GP.

If you are going to pay attention to heart rate monitors then you really need to do some detailed research to make sure you understand the information that they are giving you.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I feel fine and it really doesn’t feel like I’m over exerting myself. I was just very surprised at the figure!

[misswobble Graduate]

I don’t bother with heart rate monitoring If you didn’t have this gear you’d be quite happy. Your heart rate will climb when you exert yourself. That’s to be expected, your heart needs exercise too

C25k is very gentle to start with, and there's no hurry at all. Unless you’ve reason to worry, I wouldn’t 🙂

I’m no doc of course🙂! Oh, you’d guessed 😎😉

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thank you. I’m feeling somewhat reassured from the responses on here. I really don’t feel I’m exerting myself that much. My last long run was over 8k and my breathing rate was very manageable over the distance 🙂

[BlueCal52 Graduate]

I must be running really slow LOL. I'm 52 and am around 19st 8lbs. My peak BPM is 111 when I run. My resting BPM is betwen 45-53. I know I have a low heart rate.😞

Going to talk to the nurse about it tomorrow. Getting her to check the rate she gets and compare it to my monitor. Got a feeling it might be the same scenario as my scales 😂😃😂

[Hidden in reply to BlueCal52]

Having looked at research, I’m thinking my tracker isn’t accurate - at least I hope not! I’d be interested to to know what results you get from a professional monitor. Good luck 🙂

[BlueCal52 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I will let you know tomorrow 😉

You're doing well, keep up the good work.

[BlueCal52 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi Faith94, went to the nurse today and asked about the fitness watch I have (Nuband). What she said was that they are not accurate, but they at least give you a guide to what your heart rate is. As long as your resting are lower than your active then you know you are doing exercise that is working your body. She also said that when she started running that it showed her heart rate above 185+ BPM and she knows if that had been the case she would be lying on the ground.

The only accurate way is to get the chest belt that athletes have, which I know would be out of my price range LOL.

Your doing good, and you will see the benefits, like I have. Lost 10kg in 4 weeks.

[Hidden in reply to BlueCal52]

That’s really interesting and useful information - thank you! That’s amazing you’ve managed to lose that much in 4 weeks. Well done and keep going 👏👏👏