Question about Heart Rate Monitor

ContrivedUserID
ContrivedUserID Posts: 7
edited January 5 in Fitness and Exercise
Two things to preface this, since it might make a difference in someone's interpretation- I'm female, 6' 2", 200 lb, and have been working out consistently for five years, and been working out at a high intensity for about two years.


I recently came across my old heart rate monitor and figured I'd start working out with it again, so I can properly gauge what I need to eat to replace my workouts. I'm trying to increase my fitness level/endurance, but not necessarily wanting to lose weight. The monitor is a cheap one, it's a ProForm something or other, and I got it for about $30 three years ago. I replaced the batteries etc this week and have been using it for all of my workouts.

I noticed today when I was running intervals that my heart rate at my highest level of exertion is REALLY high, somewhere around 230 or so. After that, it takes a very long time to bring my heart rate back down. That rate seems excessive, but if I try and check my HR manually it seems close.

I am wondering if my HR could actually be going that high, and if so is it because I'm so tall/big that my heart is proportionately small? I'm in very good shape, but I'm concerned that I might do more harm than good if I continue working out as I have been. Should I invest in a better heart rate monitor and see if it gives me a similar reading?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

thanks!

Tessa

Replies

  • schmenge55
    schmenge55 Posts: 745 Member
    In theory he max heart rate of a human is 220 and if you hit that kind of a heart attack. :). I suspect the actual max is 220 give or take but no matter I would say the 230 is a bad reading
  • pixiestick
    pixiestick Posts: 839 Member
    Sounds like it has given up the credible ghost, so to speak. If the unit is three years old, I might replace it anyway (particularly if it wasn't a higher end model). I've heard that the timex brand has a tendency to do this when it gets older.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Everyone knows that HRMs are the most accurate tool ever invented for fitness. I hope you ate the 2500 additional calories that you burned with your heart pumping at 230+ beats per minute because you don't want to go into starvation mode.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    A lot of times when HRMs pick up interference they read something like 230- that would be my guess. I have no idea how to answer the question about the size of your heart.
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