high maximum heart rate

elinsofie

When I use the 220 - age formula my max HR is supposed to be 182 (I'm 38), but sometimes at the most intense parts of my workouts my HR reaches 196. Is that unusually high or is it within normal individual variations? I felt fine, breathing was fine, I was not dizzy and did not feel uncomfortable in any way, but of course I slow down when my HR goes that high. My HRM (Polar FT4) seems to be working fine. When I've been wearing it together with the EA Sports HRM, both are displaying more or less the same HR. I'm on medication that may increase my HR, could that be the explanation?

I'm not worrying or obsessing about this, I just want to learn more (Or should I worry...?)

And yes, I know the difference between target rate and max rate, and the age, height and weight settings on the hrm are correct .

chuckyp

I've gotten into the 180s before, so that's probably not out of line.

SparkleShine

I'm almost 41 and mine has been in the mid 180's-190

cshapiro926

if your HR peaks temporarily at that rate it doesnt seem like it would be too dangerous (barring you are not feeling any ill effects of this HR) ... with that being said ... if your HR is at this rate for extended periods of time . . . . DEFINITELY not good.