Exercise within Your Target Heart Rate, no Less, no more to Derive Maximum Benefit

Yes, many clinicians have forgotten to examine pulse of a patient; more so the clinical method that we used to regard as the best friend, in 1980s. Now, when patient comes to a doctor, advices flow, USG, ECHO, Doppler, ECG and MRI, and so on and so forth; and, why not? It is easier to know the parameters through machines. Still, one aspect remains crucial, should we advice all these tests to each patients! The clinician, within us says no; give a provisional diagnosis that is not rare; more common, much better; then advise for the required investigations, either to support the provisional diagnosis or to rule out other possibilities. If, this pattern is followed, perhaps, we have to go back to our Guru, the Hutchison’s Clinical Method and examine pulse.

On the other day, when I wanted to know about the some minimum 5 features of pulse, have to witness a blank face. So, where are we leading to?

We were taught to examine peripheral arterial pulse for the following features:

1.       Rate

2.       Rhythm

3.       Nature, that includes volume or wave form

4.       Symmetry

5.       Condition of the arterial wall

Certain terminologies coined to the pulse rate require clarification for performance of heart under stress.

What is Pulse?

Ordinarily, pulse is refection of heart rate or the number of times your heart beats in one minute in health; may not be same as heart rate in disease conditions of heart.

Pulse rates vary from person to person. Pulse is lower at rest and increases during exercise for increase demand for oxygen. It is essential to know pulse rate for planning out exercise program.

Normal Pulse

Normal Heart Rates at Rest:

• Children (ages 6 - 15) 70 – 100 beats per minute
• Adults (age 18 and over) 60 – 100 beats per minute
• Below 60 beats/min- Bradycardia
• Above 100 beats/min- Tachycardia

What is maximum heart rate?

The maximum heart rate is the highest heart rate achieved during maximal exercise. One simple method to calculate the predicted maximum heart rate is
220 – Age in years = predicted maximum heart rate per minute
Example: a 40-year-old's predicted maximum heart rate is 180 beats/minute.

What is target heart rate?

• One must exercise in the target heart rate zone to derive maximum benefit; no less no more. This is usually, between 60 to 80 percent of maximum heart rate. Beginner is advised to start exercising within 50% of maximum heart rate.
• It is not recommended to exercise above 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Intensity at that level increases both cardiovascular and orthopedic risk with minimal, additional health-related benefit from the exercise.
• Always check with health care provider before starting an exercise program. Health care provider can help to find a program and target heart rate zone that matches the need, goals and physical condition.
• When beginning an exercise program, one may need to gradually build up to a level that is within the target heart rate zone. If the exercise feels too hard, slow down.
• To find out if your are exercising in your target zone (between 60 and 80 percent of your maximum heart rate), stop exercising and check your 10-second pulse. If your pulse is below your target zone, increase your rate of exercise. If your pulse is above your target zone, decrease your rate of exercise. 

Age	Target HR Zone 50-85%	Average Maximum Heart Rate, 100%
20 years	100-170 beats per minute	200 beats per minute
30 years	95-162 beats per minute	190 beats per minute
35 years	93-157 beats per minute	185 beats per minute
40 years	90-153 beats per minute	180 beats per minute
45 years	88-149 beats per minute	175 beats per minute
50 years	85-145 beats per minute	170 beats per minute
55 years	83-140 beats per minute	165 beats per minute
60 years	80-136 beats per minute	160 beats per minute
65 years	78-132 beats per minute	155 beats per minute
70 years	75-128 beats per minute	150 beats per minute

 

There is your radial pulse;

 

Please note that some medications and medical conditions may affect your heart rate. If you are taking medications or have a medical condition (such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes), always ask your doctor if your maximum heart rate/target heart rate will be affected. If so, your heart rate ranges for exercise should be prescribed by your doctor or an exercise specialist.

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