Effect of Age and Other Factors on Maximal Heart Rate

Abstract

Abstract In an attempt to reduce the confusion regarding reported effects of age upon maximal exercise heart rate (HR max), a comprehensive review of the English literature was conducted to obtain descriptive statistical data representing over 23,000 independent subjects from 5 to 81 years old. The data were split randomly into two data sets for independent regression analyses. HR max was the dependent variable while independent variables include: age, age2, age3, age4, sex, level of fitness, type of ergometer, exercise protocol, continent of residence, and race. After cross validation the data were pooled and reanalyzed. Additional validation was accomplished on identifiable subsets of the data, e.g., cross sectional, longitudinal, training, comparative ergometry, and comparative sex studies. Results identified negative linear and non-linear age factors, an ergometry factor, a fitness factor and a continent factor. Age accounted for about 70–75% of the variability. Generalized equations were proposed. Even with all factors accounted for, the 95% confidence interval of individual HR max was about 45 beats/min. Tables of HR max derived from the equations are included.