1. What is Heart Rate Recovery?

Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) is the decrease in heart rate from peak exercise to one minute after stopping exercise. It's an important measure of cardiovascular fitness and autonomic nervous system function.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple HRR formula:

Where:

• \( HR_{peak} \) — Peak heart rate during exercise (bpm)
• \( HR_{1min} \) — Heart rate one minute after stopping exercise (bpm)

Explanation: The faster your heart rate returns to normal after exercise (higher HRR), the better your cardiovascular fitness.

3. Importance of HRR Measurement

Details: HRR is a strong predictor of mortality. An HRR ≤12 bpm after 1 minute is considered abnormal and may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your peak heart rate during exercise and your heart rate exactly one minute after stopping exercise. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good HRR value?
A: Generally, HRR >12 bpm at 1 minute is normal. Values >20 bpm indicate excellent cardiovascular fitness.

Q2: How is HRR measured clinically?
A: Typically measured during a stress test, recording heart rate at peak exercise and exactly one minute into recovery.

Q3: Can medications affect HRR?
A: Yes, beta-blockers and other heart rate modifying drugs can affect HRR measurements.

Q4: Does age affect HRR?
A: Yes, HRR tends to decrease with age as part of normal physiological changes.

Q5: Can I improve my HRR?
A: Yes, regular aerobic exercise can improve your HRR over time as your cardiovascular fitness improves.