MAx heart rate, is it too high?

MCinSoCal

Hi everyone,
I'm concerned about the way my heart rate shoots up each time I do any cardio exercise at all.
Here is an example of just the past 3 days,
Today:
With treadmill avg speed 3.8 -HR 108 max 205

With the elliptical -HR max 195 at level 3

Yesterday:
HR Ave 136 high 190-during cardio-treadmill

Tuesday:
HR avg 143 High 190 -with treadmill

Now with the treadmill I usually stay between 3.5 and 4.5, which is fast walking, I can't jog due to back problems. But I get these crazy heart rates and migraine each and every time!
Today on the elliptical, same thing happened. I was only on level 3 and bam, 195!
Is this normal?
I tried asking my primary physician and he just went on to tell me that athletes heart rates can be well above 200 bpm, but the thing is I am NOT an athlete, I'm really just starting out and exercise moderately most of the time.

Any input or information would be most appreciated! Thank you so much for reading!!!
~mc~

wolfi622

Not a direct answer but I think the max/target heart rate should vary based on your own situation - and asking your doctor. I am a 55 year old male and a stroke survivor. Last May, my left corroded artery dissected (the inside ripped) and caused a stroke. The artery is healing nicely, but I have to watch my max HR very closely as making it too high could be risky for me. So on the Elliptical or Bike etc, I am satisfied with the mid to upper 150's and I ratchet it down in intensity of I'm over 160 for too long. This can reduce the number of calories I burn in a hour but it keeps me alive. So there may be factors that cause your real recommended max to be lower than the charts say. When you asked the doc and he wasn't alarmed, did you ask how concerned you should be. Sounds like the doc isn't worried about 200+ HR for you.

CoderGal

Hi everyone,
I'm concerned about the way my heart rate shoots up each time I do any cardio exercise at all.
Here is an example of just the past 3 days,
Today:
With treadmill avg speed 3.8 -HR 108 max 205

With the elliptical -HR max 195 at level 3

Yesterday:
HR Ave 136 high 190-during cardio-treadmill

Tuesday:
HR avg 143 High 190 -with treadmill

Now with the treadmill I usually stay between 3.5 and 4.5, which is fast walking, I can't jog due to back problems. But I get these crazy heart rates and migraine each and every time!
Today on the elliptical, same thing happened. I was only on level 3 and bam, 195!
Is this normal?
I tried asking my primary physician and he just went on to tell me that athletes heart rates can be well above 200 bpm, but the thing is I am NOT an athlete, I'm really just starting out and exercise moderately most of the time.

Any input or information would be most appreciated! Thank you so much for reading!!!
~mc~

I've seen a lot of heart rate questions on these forms that I kinda laugh at but stopped at yours because you seem to be having the same problem I was having. What's your resting heart rate?

ili_s

Wikipedia has a chart!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Exercise_zones.png

MCinSoCal

Resting heart rate is around 78 or so, give or take a few, that's normally, when I'm anxious it goes up to the higher 80's...

MCinSoCal

Wikipedia has a chart!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Exercise_zones.png
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according to that chart the VERY top HR "Max Effort" should be at 185 since I'm 35.... it just worries to me, because I also get a pretty bad migraine with this and my whole face gets hot and beat red, idk if that's "normal" or not...

Nopedotjpeg

220-age=max heart rate

Unless your heart rate is jumping up without much exercise intensity (i.e. it doesn't feel difficult for you) then I wouldn't worry.

snookumss

Its fine. When I first started exercising again, in my first 3 or so Zumba classes my hr would rocket to 200's easily. I actually felt my heart hurt, and had to take small breaks.

It goes away. Now my heart rate stays in the 160-170 range during Zumba. Your cardiovascular health will improve.

ninerbuff

Hi everyone,
I'm concerned about the way my heart rate shoots up each time I do any cardio exercise at all.
Here is an example of just the past 3 days,
Today:
With treadmill avg speed 3.8 -HR 108 max 205

With the elliptical -HR max 195 at level 3

Yesterday:
HR Ave 136 high 190-during cardio-treadmill

Tuesday:
HR avg 143 High 190 -with treadmill

Now with the treadmill I usually stay between 3.5 and 4.5, which is fast walking, I can't jog due to back problems. But I get these crazy heart rates and migraine each and every time!
Today on the elliptical, same thing happened. I was only on level 3 and bam, 195!
Is this normal?
I tried asking my primary physician and he just went on to tell me that athletes heart rates can be well above 200 bpm, but the thing is I am NOT an athlete, I'm really just starting out and exercise moderately most of the time.

Any input or information would be most appreciated! Thank you so much for reading!!!
~mc~

Get it checked. I work in a Wellness clinic and heart rate that high at moderate intensities isn't usual.



A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Allic1971

Not sure if women know this, but I just read this article, how to work out womens heart rate. The calculation is different for a women.
I didn't know I was just doing the 210-age, which is wrong.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/375948-polar-heart-rate-monitor-for-women/

MCinSoCal

Thing is, I'm not doing anything close to zumba
I seriously stay near the 3.5 on the treadmill which is basically walking at a brisk pace, sometimes will do level 4 which is still walking, i've done 4.5 which is about the fastest i can walk, as i mentioned i can't actually "jog" because its too much stress on my back...on the elliptical i stay between levels 1 and 3
on the stationary bike, i think MAYBE level 5, though i haven't tested my HR with the bike, i should

This is all moderate exercise, shouldn't be so strenuous on my heart, and like I said it gives me a migraine also just about every time, last time i also got really and the flushing so decided to stop and cool down early...and actually showered at the gym, even though i'm usually pretty modest i just really needed to cool down...

I will have to try to talk with my doc about this again and hopefully he will listen...

Thank you to everyone for all the replies and links and info, I was worried no one would respond

~Michelle

Janiot

Definately get a second opinion - and check your blood pressure - headaches are a concern.
My HR was elevated with exercise due to a high thyroid level which required medication and no exercise for a few years.
I can now exercise quite hard for an hour or so and it will peak at around 170-180 but recovers quickly - no headaches ever though.

ExHealthRehab

Hi there

Without going into the science of everything; Heart Rate Max can be determined using a predictive formula - (220- age) . Exercise programs are then based on a percentage of this HR.

Generally speaking you should see an Exercise Physiologist (ESSA - Exercise and Sports Science Australia) to help develop an exercise program for you as they will also take your blood pressure and resting heart rate, test your cardiovascular fitness correctly (including BP and HR during exercise), measure your blood glucose and lipids as well as measure your function and muscular strength/endurance. Some people when they exercise do go above their maximum heart rate however each situation and person is different.

HR sensors on the treadmills etc are not overly accurate however I would be buying a Heart Rate monitor if you are concerned about your heart rate during exercise.

An Exercise Physiologist will be able to assist in writing a program for you,assist you achieve your goals and help recondition your back with appropriate rehabilitation exercises. Don't forget to hydrate as well.

Hope that gives you a bit more information

MCinSoCal

Yes, thank you I am going to look at the heart monitors and buy one soon. Also am seeing an ortho spine specialist for my back. We're waiting on MRI results so he can decide if I'm able to go to physical therapy, he says as long as there ins't a "big" problem found that, that will be the next step, and honestly it's what I want. I tried having my regular doc send me to PT last year but it didn't pan out so I started with the most moderate of exercise and just began walking regularly (about 3 x's/week) nothing big just casual strolling around the block with my little dog.
I normally drink a lot of water, even before starting this, water is almost all I drink except for my morning coffee My cousin said I should ask at the gym about my heart rate and that they would monitor me there? I'm sort of nervous (ok actually I'm scared as heck, have a little prob w/anxiety a times) to ask because what if they tell me I can't work out? I really NEED to work out, I'm so tired of being overweight...

Janiot, the headaches concern me too, I have heard that may be a sign of a few things, and also the last time I also got really nauseous, that part got cut out of my last post, I'm sort of used to migraines I get them a lot, actually I still have the one from Thursday now...it's just hard to tell sometimes.

Thank you for you replies

CoderGal

Mine is a lot higher then that, but the fact it goes up so quickly is concerning. Then again you could probably lower it yourself with continued exercise. I refused to go to the doctor and mine came down with time...I just went for longer and longer hikes and walks. I'm kinda back to square one again now though. Goodluck to you! Hope everything is ok.