Another heart rate question

[fausto99]

Increasing age, impending winter and lockdown 2 have all combined and resulted in me getting a Wahoo Kickr bike. I'm now starting to take an interest in "the numbers". I've just turned 70 and the BHF website says my target heart rate is 75-105. Using the (220 minus your age) formula my max HR is 150.
Having read all this, imagine my surprise to find out that climbing a long 15% gradient hill (virtual Buttertubs) at about 60rpm in a virtual 34" gear, I'm producing 200 to 230W and my HR reaches 180! Apart from it feeling hard and sweating a lot, I didn't feel bad and my HR went back under 100 with a 5-10 min warm down, so I'm not about to consult a doctor. However I am puzzled. Could my Polar heart rate monitor be wrong? Are the BHF and the formulas wrong? Any thoughts anyone?

[simonineaston]

The only thought I have is that you are an individual - and I imagine, a fairly fit example of a 70 year old, with a better than average cardiovascular system. You might choose to use the numbers published on the BHF websiste as the broadest of guidelines as they are unlikely to be a good fit for you as an individual.
However, I'm only guessing!!

[Paulatic]

There been lots of past discussion and that formula might be right for a few but wrong for most. Do a threshold test to get your max. Check your pulse against your monitor to check it’s accuracy .
The few times I’ve worn a hrm this year I struggled to make 110. (aged 68)

[Lodge]

Below is a link to a study examining the relationship between HRmax and age in 3320 healthy men and women within a wide age range using data from the HUNT Fitness Study (2007–2008). Looking at the graph attached I would suggest you are well within the normal range for healthy people. Don’t forget that an all-comers study would include people with diseased cardiovascular systems and therefore present a wider range to lower values.

Nes Scand J Med Science Sports 2013 Age‐predicted maximal heart rate healthy subjects HUNT Fitness Study

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2012.01445.x

[ANTONISH]

I think the formula is a rule of thumb which is pretty useless in real life- a bit like BMI.
I wouldn't be able to climb a hill if I followed it.

[cycleruk]

I'm 73 and my HR during a ride ranges from 120 something to 165. At 165 I am getting out of breath. A few years back 175 HR was my out of breath exertion limit. Resting HR is 50 and has been for as long as I have taken readings..
So your figures are not unusual. Just keep a mental record over the rides to give yourself a baseline.

[drossall]

I had a double bypass last year, somewhat unexpectedly (they always are unexpected...), and have been fortunate to make a complete recovery. One result has been to make me more systematic in exercise, though I've been a member of cycling clubs since my teens. So, with restrictions and lockdowns, I've been on Zwift a lot. Obviously I'm on tablets which may be part of the reason, but I've never got my HR within 20 of my typical maximum of 160. The surgeon who discharged me had no concerns about me pushing it a bit, so I'm OK on that score.

I guess we're all different.

[fausto99]

Many thanks for all the replies. Very helpful. Early days yet using FulGaz. It’ll be interesting to see how thing develop. Cheers.

[Jdsk]

Sorry, I thought that I'd asked the key questions already:

Does the rate return to resting soon after exercise, and is the beat regular throughout?

Jonathan

[rjb]

I had a stress test at the hospital on a treadmill during some investigation. My max HR coincided with the 220 - your age. The consultant advised me that I could replicate this by walking (not running) up a steady hill as fast as I could manage. I tried this after a 15 minute walk warm up and it worked well for me. Easier than trying to do it on the bike. You may have to find a steeper hill if you find it too easy.

[Paulatic]

I had a stress test at the hospital on a treadmill during some investigation. My max HR coincided with the 220 - your age. The consultant advised me that I could replicate this by walking (not running) up a steady hill as fast as I could manage. I tried this after a 15 minute walk warm up and it worked well for me. Easier than trying to do it on the bike. You may have to find a steeper hill if you find it too easy.

Interesting and I know from experience I can always get a higher heart rate if my feet are in contact with the ground rather than pedals.

[KM2]

I seem to remember that the heart rate increase in walking or running is , in part, due to the increase in muscle mass recruited for the exercise. Arms etc in motion.

[Jdsk]

Yes, cardiac output is matched to work rate/ metabolic rate/ oxygen consumption. That goes both for stroke volume and rate.

And there's a lot more muscle to be recruited in the legs and hips than anywhere else.

Jonathan

[Cowsham]

I'm a bit new to this and have never been into monitoring my heart but as I age I'm willing to learn a bit more --
Question 1
Presuming you can measure your heart rate accurately, how does one go about measuring ones maximum heart rate?
Question 2
Does it have to be done by/in the presence of doctors or can you do it yourself ?

I've always took it for granted I'd have more trouble with lungs than heart being a chronic asthmatic most of my life but since about 15 years ago I have virtually no problems with lungs, (not completely sure why) so now I'm more interested in heart and vascular function.

[Jdsk]

Question 1
Presuming you can measure your heart rate accurately, how does one go about measuring ones maximum heart rate?
Question 2
Does it have to be done by/in the presence of doctors or can you do it yourself ?

I suggest starting with:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate#Maximum_heart_rate

And then come back with the supplementaries! : - )

Jonathan