Ask the doctor: Is it dangerous for me to go over my target heart rate?
Ask the doctor
Is it dangerous for me to go over my target heart rate?
Q. I am 79 years old and exercise five days a week, three on the treadmill for my heart and two for strength training. Because I complained of chest pain one day (which I believe was due to my gastroesophageal reflux), my doctor sent me for a thallium stress test. Although the cardiologist stopped the test after three and a half minutes because I went way over my target heart rate, the report he sent to my internist said that I passed. My resting heart rate is on the high side, at 80–85 beats per minute, and it rises quickly when I exercise. I am now afraid to go faster than 2 miles an hour on the treadmill, and I don't feel like I'm getting a real workout. Is it dangerous for me to go over my target heart rate?
A. First off, congratulations on your commitment to keeping your heart and body fit. If your exercise test was, indeed, normal, I see no reason for you to change your exercise program or to base your exercise routine on your heart rate.
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