Is a 204 heart rate dangerous?

MBrothers22
MBrothers22 Posts: 323 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
First, I'm male, 6'2" 337 pounds. Now, I am a lot more athletic than most people my size probably because I'm 19 and I have a generally large frame. I still have way too much fat though (duh obviously). But just thought I'd throw that in for consideration.

I love running. I've played sports all my life and it's a way to compete with myself at the gym. Today I ran my first mile without stopping in 10:55. (5.5mph treadmill). I did notice on my Polar HRM though that my heart rate is getting pretty darn high- 204 max today. Could this just be because I have so much extra weight but still am able to run a pretty good mile (IMO)? Or should I refrain from getting my heart rate up that high because it could be dangerous. Hopefully it doesn't matter because I love running now.

Replies

  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    That's not too far out of what might be expected for a 19 year old male.

    My maximum heart rate is about 10 higher than it's "supposed to be" for me age - (193/194 or so) - I don't have a problem hitting it, but I've never been up to the sort of weight you're at.
  • Blacklance36
    Blacklance36 Posts: 755 Member
    204 is too high in my opinion. My gym has a chart that says a person your age should not go over 180.
  • Nikoruo
    Nikoruo Posts: 771 Member
    I haven't a clue. I'm 240lbs myself and not super athletic of course... but my max heart rate goes up to about 190 lately. I don't think i push myself harder because i'm just not at that fitness level yet. If it doesn't hurt or cause you pain and you are breathing well,. why not right? at least, i think it's ok? xD

    edit: I've been checked out by dr's and my heart seems to be in normal shape! maybe go ask your dr :o
  • abickford82
    abickford82 Posts: 207
    Something I learned in training: Karnoven formula is most accurate. I'd stick with that to get your target HR.
  • thesupremeforce
    thesupremeforce Posts: 1,206 Member
    That's high, and it's probably not a good idea to let it stay there for long. Knowing when to "lay off the gas" during exercise is important. Winding up in that area once in a while probably isn't going to hurt you, but I'd advise not pushing it. If you get that high, slow down a bit and let your heart rate drop.

    Nice time though.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    Carrying 337 lbs, your heart is having to work extremely hard so no, a heart rate of 204 BPM is not necessarily dangerous. Your body would tell you if it were dangerous.

    Unless you are having symptoms with the fast heart rate, like dizziness, palpitations, weakness, fainting, etc., it's nothing to worry about.

    *I personally have tachycardia (fast heart rate). My resting heart rate gets as high as 197 BPM. I am obviously hospitalized when that happens because they worry I am going to have a heart attack. When my heart rate is that high, I can't even stand or walk because I am so dizzy.*
  • David_AUS
    David_AUS Posts: 298 Member
    There is a big difference between peak and sustained. I would suggest that if this was a peak heart rate than this is not unusual, if you are trying to sustain this I would argue that this is too high and likely not necessary to run this high to support weight loss.

    As always individuals vary just consider what you are trying to achieve and adjust your exercise to balance your fitness level with your goals. Generally you want to put enough supportive stress on the body that it brings you closer to your goal - over stressing it is not supportive.
  • MBrothers22
    MBrothers22 Posts: 323 Member
    There is a big difference between peak and sustained. I would suggest that if this was a peak heart rate than this is not unusual, if you are trying to sustain this I would argue that this is too high and likely not necessary to run this high to support weight loss.

    As always individuals vary just consider what you are trying to achieve and adjust your exercise to balance your fitness level with your goals. Generally you want to put enough supportive stress on the body that it brings you closer to your goal - over stressing it is not supportive.

    While I only periodically check my HRM during my run it was definitely a peak towards the end. I'd say 190-195 is what it stayed at for the majority of the 2nd half.
  • MBrothers22
    MBrothers22 Posts: 323 Member
    Something I learned in training: Karnoven formula is most accurate. I'd stick with that to get your target HR.

    This gave me 201 so according to that I should be good.
  • fittocycle
    fittocycle Posts: 827 Member
    You might want to check with your doctor, just to see if it's a concern.

    Also, heart rate monitors can sometimes be a little erratic. Do you think it was a fluke or have you seen rates similar in the past?

    How did you feel when you were at this number?

    Three years ago, I was working out and saw a reading of 215 on my Polar HRM. I also felt slightly light headed. Long story, but turns out I have SVT, which I never would have known about if not for the high number that day at the gym.
    That's why I suggest you giving your doctor a quick call, just to make sure it's nothing out of the ordinary. It's probably nothing but it might be good to ask about it.
  • Ant_the_old_keith_lemon
    Ant_the_old_keith_lemon Posts: 272 Member
    could this high reading be a spike/interference or a slipping hrm strap, does it shoot from 150 thu to 200 and drop instantly or id it steady at 200 for a number of minutes?
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Today I ran my first mile without stopping in 10:55. (5.5mph treadmill). I did notice on my Polar HRM though that my heart rate is getting pretty darn high- 204 max today.

    Suspect that there are two different questions here.

    Recognising that 220-age is a pretty crude tool, it's about right for your age, but it does seem high for the level of exertion that you're talking about. That may be a function of weight though, you got a decent pace there but the sustained rate that you mention does seem excessive. You should see that routine HR reduce as you get fitter and shed the pounds.

    I really wouldn't worry about it.
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member

    Something I learned in training: Karnoven formula is most accurate. I'd stick with that to get your target HR.
    A quick google suggests it has a standard deviation of of 6.4bpm.

    It should be note that these aren't defining what is and isn't good, merely reporting on observations - but of course if you're well out it may be worth checking up.

    As it was the best time ever for the OP and over a short distance, I'd not be surprised to see a max heart rate.
  • katro111
    katro111 Posts: 632 Member
    It's high, but as long as you don't feel like you're going to die and don't keep it at 204 for a long period of time (e.g. when you see it getting up there, back off a little) you'll be fine. When I first started running with an HRM my HR would get to 201 or 202. Even then I felt fine, but I slowed down a bit just to get it below 200. If you are comfortable at a steady 5.5mph, maybe try some intervals - walk for 60 seconds then jack it up to 6mph for 30 seconds. Repeat.
  • girlschmoopie
    girlschmoopie Posts: 140 Member
    I don't have a heart rate monitor, so listen to the other's advice here about that, but I do run and listen closely to what my body is trying to tell me when I run (which I do often enough).

    These are my indicators of a good hard workout:
    Feeling my heart beat strong in my chest
    sweating
    able to speak in short 2-3 word phrases

    These are my indicators that I need to slow way down, walk or even stop completely:
    Feeling like my heart is beating in my throat
    Unable to speak more than one word (if that)
    Dizziness
    Feeling shivers (like when sick with a fever) despite sweating

    Remember is is okay to go slower at times, and if you are pushing yourself to go your fastest, you only do that for short segments (like 30seconds) then give yourself a recovery 1:30 at a slower pace.

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