220 less 34 (my age) = 186, which should be my maximum heart rate. I try to exercise harder to reach my maximum but I can only reach 155.

My question is - is this normal? Should I see a cardiologist because there is something wrong with my heart?

I check the target heart rate calculator for age 34 your training heart rate zone is 130 to 167 beats per minute for higher than avergae fitness so at 155 it means you are doing just fine.

I don't think its a problem. Whats important is that you stay within your target heart rate. This normally is between 50 to 85 % of your maximum heart rate. For this you require to measur your pulse periodically as you exercise.

Think you're doing fairly well within your range

^I think the target rate is 80% of your maximum heart rate. However, what will happen if you exceed the maximum?

If your conditon is bad you migth pass put or faint. It really depends on your cardio health. Ask your cardiologist about the situation.

In the first place, why would you want to exceed your maximum heart rate? It might do too much to the heart muscles tissues, which might cause irregular heartbeat, leaks, or weaken your heart.

I suggest you take a note of your heart rate and consult it with your cardiologist. Also tell to your dcotor what are the physical activivties your doin on each heatrate the you notes.

Like what Princess said, it depends – how do you feel when you reach your target heart rate? Is there any pain? Do you feel dizzy? If you feel anything bad, you will have to slow down or stop.

Take a full physical test make sure your doctor is testing you on your cardio and give him some of your health history to further evaluate your test.

Is there any chart for which age determines the maximum heart rate a person can get?

I thought there is a bench mark to determine if you have irregular beating of the heart. Irregular heart rate depends also on the age of the person.

fjoones - 25 June 2009 12:31 AM

I thought there is a bench mark to determine if you have irregular beating of the heart. Irregular heart rate depends also on the age of the person.

The usual resting heart rate for adults is between 50 to 100 beats per minute. Children have naturally higher normal heart rates than adults.

Many changes in heart rate or rhythm are minor and do not require medical treatment if you do not have other symptoms or a history of heart disease. Smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine, or taking other stimulants such as diet pills or cough and cold medicines may cause your heart to beat faster or skip a beat. Your heart rate or rhythm can change when you are under stress or having pain. Your heart may beat faster when you have an illness or a fever. Hard physical exercise usually increases your heart rate, which can sometimes cause changes in your heart rhythm.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have minor heart rate or rhythm changes. Well-trained athletes usually have slow heart rates with occasional pauses in the normal rhythm. Evaluation is usually not needed unless other symptoms are present, such as lightheadedness or fainting, or there is a family history of heart problems.

This seems correct. Taking stimulants, diet pills and coffee are the most common things that speed up the heart rate. If you want to normalize it, better to avoid these things.

Those energy drinks do not really help a person become more energetic. It only raises the heart beat so that it would energize the person.

black_car - 02 September 2009 08:54 PM

Those energy drinks do not really help a person become more energetic. It only raises the heart beat so that it would energize the person.

I agree, I don't believe the drinks give you energy. Some people say that Mountain Dew is just as good as the energy drinks due to the caffeine. Any thoughts?

I don't think that it has caffeine in it. I believe it's the sugar that keeps you upbeat when you drink Mountain Dew.