Is 60 minutes at 190 BPM unsafe for a 40 yr. old?

[SD2006]

I haven't done a lot of miles this season (509) but I'm planning to do my first organized event next week (short time trial) and I'm worried that I'll overdo it and blow my heart up. Tonight during one of my "training" rides I was constantly running in the 185 to 190 range just to keep my average speed at 20 MPH. I don't feel any abnormal pain, I'm just worried about sustaining high heart rates. Other than being a bit overweight (6'-1" 205 lbs.) I'm reasonably healthy and everything looked fine at my last checkup ~6 months ago. Am I worrying too much about this heart rate thing?

 

[sitzmark]

Sure your monitor is reporting correctly?

My garmin strap will report up to 220+ occasionally when I first start out - first one to two miles and occasionally mid-ride on cold days .with just a jersey on. Almost had a fear-induced heart attack the first time I looked down and saw that #

Traced it to poor conductivity and jersey buffeting the monitor strap. Couldn't figure out why my heart rate was climbing higher the faster I was going ... downhill! Once I sweat up the strap good enough, all is fine. (or pre wet before leaving)

For reference I pretty much lock onto a 150 HR average for courses where I average (moving) 20mph or thereabout. Vitals: 52, 6'1', 195ish. Generally ride between 125-175miles/week. When I started riding a year ago I was 218, but wasn't averaging 20 and rarely if ever got close to 190bpm.

190 is working pretty hard .... real hard actually, but a question better answered by a medical professional after a personal evaluation. If you're older and haven't been continuously active at a high level, then it is prudent to pay extra attention to elevated heart rates. Play safe!

 

[steve]

It might be an idea to check those readings with another HRM. Heart rates can't form a meaningful comparison between riders.

As with any health issue, if you're thinking about it, perhaps get a professional opinion. Hopefully this will either catch a serious problem early or put your mind at ease

 

[SD2006]

I always pre-moisten my HRM (Polar T31) and I have no problem sweating enough so I don't think conductivity is a concern in my case. The reading on the wrist display doesn't jump around or read unexpectedly high or low and always seems to be proportional to my effort level. At a resting heat rate (75) the HRM reads the same as a manual pulse count, so I feel reasonably confident it's giving me accurate numbers.

Does metabolism or fast twitch vs. slow twitch muscles have any bearing on this? I seem to have a high metabolism and my muscles are composed of fast twitch and no-twitch fibers only, no slow twitch and no endurance for me. I could never be competitive in any event that lasts over 25 seconds.

 

[64Paramount]

Your resting heart rate (75) sounds just a bit high to me, if you've been excercising regularly.

You might want to check with your physician just to be sure. Hopefully, everthing is okay, but better safe than sorry..

 

[fergie]

Age 39
Max HR 203
Max HR age 20 213
Resting HR 46
Resting HR age 20 39
Current Fitness Ave
60min HR 184bpm (in racing)
60min HR 177bpm (in training)
16km TT HR 187bpm

I think your HR is what it is. If you experience chest pain or any abnormal sensations outside of having just gone hard then get it checked out.

 

[SD2006]

The numbers I gave before are probably a bit high, I can't sustain 190 for 60 min, it's probably more like 180-185. I'd wager fergie is in much better condition than I am, but still, it's good to know others have high heart rates.

 

[fergie]

The numbers I gave before are probably a bit high, I can't sustain 190 for 60 min, it's probably more like 180-185. I'd wager fergie is in much better condition than I am, but still, it's good to know others have high heart rates.

How much you want to bet

 

[mattlong100]

I haven't done a lot of miles this season (509) but I'm planning to do my first organized event next week (short time trial) and I'm worried that I'll overdo it and blow my heart up. Tonight during one of my "training" rides I was constantly running in the 185 to 190 range just to keep my average speed at 20 MPH. I don't feel any abnormal pain, I'm just worried about sustaining high heart rates. Other than being a bit overweight (6'-1" 205 lbs.) I'm reasonably healthy and everything looked fine at my last checkup ~6 months ago. Am I worrying too much about this heart rate thing?

if you are "constantly" in the 185-190 BPM range that seems pretty darn hight to me and I suspect that your heart rate monitor isn't working so well. rough formula for max heart rate is 220-age so your max heart rate should be around 180. (higher if you have been an elite athlete). If you feel OK and no chest pain/tightness/discomfort then I wouldn't worry about it.
If any concerns then see your dr and get a stress ECG (or EKG as you call them in the states) that will sort out the matter once and for all.

matt

 

[SD2006]

How much you want to bet

"All in!" Or whatever it is they say in Texas Hold 'Em

I did a TT yesterday where the course was shortened to 6.8 miles (because of road conditions) and I could only manage about 21.5 MPH despite pedaling hard enough to average 190 BPM and peak at 199. Maybe it was the heat and humidity... Ha ha.

 

[Yonni]

rough formula for max heart rate is 220-age so your max heart rate should be around 180.
matt

You can't use that formula and expect any accurate zones. It has been largely discredited in recent years. According to it I should have a max of 176 (yes, I'm 44) when I actually max around 198 with a resting pulse of 54. Once I get going I can sustain 180 for 60 mins which would be 102%. Trying to fit your own zones to a formula which was designed at best to be a "rule of thumb" will leave you pulling your hair out with worry.

 

[cram1960]

You can't use that formula and expect any accurate zones. It has been largely discredited in recent years. According to it I should have a max of 176 (yes, I'm 44) when I actually max around 198 with a resting pulse of 54. Once I get going I can sustain 180 for 60 mins which would be 102%. Trying to fit your own zones to a formula which was designed at best to be a "rule of thumb" will leave you pulling your hair out with worry.

+1
I'm 49 years old (50 in November) and I have seen a 184 bpm while riding hills, recently. When I was 36 I did a max HR test and got up to 198 bpm.

Your max HR is genetically determined. That 220-age formula is just a basic guideline...not suited for endurance athletes.
(220 - 49 = 171-- ha ha not even close for me.)

To the original poster...how did you feel? That would seem more important to me.
But I'm not a sports medicine expert either.