What should the correct heart rate be?

[Arnold Ziffel]

What should the correct heart rate be? Both resting and active, I tried a search and found nothing. The doctors office gave me a formula but I forgot what it is.

I went for a walk up hills and on flat today wearing this new HR monitor, and it was at 85 to 100 before I started and went to 120 to 158 while climbing the hills.
I dont want to overdo it but I have no idea what the range is. Any help would be appreciated.
Steve

 

[hensylee]

Arnold, you aren't very long out of surgery. I think we need some input here from the members. Sounds a bit high for so soon after surgery, but I am not the expert. We have some pretty good nearly experts on the site - somebody should stop in here and give an opinion. Y'all come on in.

 

[Adrienne]

158 is too high for someone your age (I looked to say how old you were) even for someone who has not had heart surgery.

The formula I usually see is 220-your age to get the "maximum heart rate". Then after that, they usually say not to do more than 85% of that number. I realize everyone is different, but 158 seems high to me.

 

[kodi]

I really think it depends on what you did for workouts prior to surgery. In general it seems the safe range is 70-75% of max. Max depends on your age and Adrienne mentioned the normal formula. I don't use that because being well conditioned prior to surgery I don't get a good workout. I use 205 - 1/2 age that yields a little higher number. For me that is 170. Using 220- age the results are 151, which is quite a difference. I will be 69 in Feb. I also have a resting rate in the low 40s. It used to be in the high 30s prior to surgery and is getting back there. I also use my resting rate when I calculate the % workout. If you want more on the formulas PM me and I'll give them to you.
I personally don't function well in cold weather and when I go for a run my HR is in the 150-155 range even at a slow pace until I get warmed up. Today was a good example. I ran at 2:00PM temps were in mid 60s but I started into a headwind. My rate was 155 and my pace was about 12:00 minute mile. As soon as I changed directions my HR dropped to 138 (75% max) and my pace picked up to 11:00-11:30.
Hills will always raise your HR whether you're walking or running so it can be expected and should do no harm as long as it isn't for an extended period of time. In fact, I think those high rates help in the overall scheme of getting back to normal.

Hope this is of some help to you.

 

[Arnold Ziffel]

Thats the formula I was trying to remember. I mentioned the heart rates to my drs assistant but havent heard back yet. Im hoping the monitor is not that accurrate.
Yesterday I went in for a resting echo and they said my rate was 85-91, but didnt indicate any concern. I am inquiring about cardiac rehab hopfully I will become more educated.
Oh I am 52, Kodi I was amazed reading your post.. Way to go.
What I usually do is walk some flat to warm up, then hit about a half mile hill at full pace, go down hill for about 1/2-3/4 mile then hit a steeper hill for about the same distance, then its all down hilll back home. I do feel good while doing this but now that I see these numbers, Im concerned.

 

[MarkU]

It's not unusual to have an elevated HR for a period of time after surgery. It should come down eventually.
The max heart rate formulas are guidelines at best - everyone is going to be a little bit different.
I agree that you should stay at or below 75% of your calculated max HR for now, subject to advice from your cardiologist.

When I started to train for triathlons three years ago I actually got tested to establish my lactic threshold heart rate (the point where you go from aerobic to anaerobic) which came out to be 159 bpm. I do my aerobic endurance training at apporximately 85% of that number, or around 135 bpm. (I'm 53 btw)

Since my surgery, my resting HR has dropped from 70 bpm to 44 bpm, but again, that's going to be different depending on the individual. I know some marathoners who are in terrific shape and have resting HR's in the 60's, so resting HR alone is not necessarily an indicator of health or condition.

Mark

 

[Arnold Ziffel]

Well yesterday I went in to get a treadmill test in order to be placed into cardiac rehab, she had me walk for 3-3 minute different graduations, flat, 10%. 12% grades and I did perfect. Resting HR was 85 and it went to 160 I saw once. It felt good to feel my muscles in my legs again coming back, Im looking forward to having a personal trainer to get back in shape again.