Heart Rate Recovery

The Heart Rate Recovery calculator computes the expected heart rate one and two minutes after exercising.

INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following:

• (EHR) Heart Rate at the conclusion of Exercising

Minimum Heart Rate Recovery (HRR): The calculator returns the expected heart rate after one minute and two minutes of recovery.

The Math / Science

The Heart Rate Recovery equation computes Expected Minimum Heart Rate Recovery, the expected reduction in heart rate after a cool-down period of a selected fixed duration which started at a heart rate corresponding to peak exercise.  Higher Heart Rate Recover correlates with cardiac fitness.

Individuals with heart rates that do not drop by more than the Expected Minimum Heart Rate Recovery have significantly higher mortality Rates

Check Your Heart Rate

While exercising, check your pulse periodically to see if you are exercising within your target zone. As you get in better shape, try exercising within the upper range of your target zone. If you are just beginning an exercise program, consult your doctor first.

Notes:

Heart rates that do not drop by more than 12 bpm one minute after stopping exercise correspond to an increased risk of death.

Heart rates that do not drop by more than  42 bpm two minute after stopping exercise correspond to a mortality rate 2.5 times greater than patients with a normal recovery.

How to Check Your Heart Rate

Right after you stop exercising, take your pulse: Place the tips of your first two fingers lightly over one of the blood vessels on your neck, just to the left or right of your Adam's apple. Or try the pulse spot inside your wrist just below the base of your thumb.

Count your pulse for 10 seconds and multiply the number by 6.

Additional Resources:

Check out the Heart Heath Calculator and the Metabolic Health Calculator for more Health and Fitness Equations.