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Old 04-09-12, 03:09 PM
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ChrisM2097
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Maximum Heart Rate

I know that standard, one-size-fits-all calculation is 220-age...but this isn't really a one-size-fits-all approach, in my opinion. Everyone's different.

Anyways, I'm 35, so according to the above, my HRmax = 185. I'm also 6'2" & 275lb. When climbing hills, my HR is around 165-175 on average, with some spikes up to 185.

I was curious about what MY personal HRmax should be, so I e-mailed my doctor about doing a cardiac stress test.

Below is the response:

"As for the cardiac treadmill test, that is a test we use to risk stratify angina, which is heart related chest pain to see is there may be any potential blockages in any of the coronary arteries.

Target heart rate for fat burning is 220-your age.
"

Now, the first part sounds reasonable, and typical of Kaiser...but the last sentence, according to everything I've read, leads me to believe my Dr. doesn't know what she's talking about. My understanding is that my target HR for 'fat burning' should be around 120, NOT 185.
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