Maximum Heart Rate

ECHONOMY
Tools for Echocardiographic Calculations
Muhamed Saric, MD, PhD
New York University

Maximum Heart Rate

Formulas for Estimating Maximum Heart Rate

Old Formula

New Formula

Equation

Max HR = (220 - Age) + 10

Max HR = 208 - 0.7 * Age

Authors

Fox & Haskell

Tanaka, Monahan & Seals

Year Developed

1970

2001

Calculate Max HR

Age:

Estimating Peak Heart Rate: Old vs. New Formula

Note that the 220 - Age formula:

	Overestimates the maximum heart rate in young people.
	Underestimates the maximum heart rate in older people.
	At age 40, the two lines cross; that is, the two formulas predict the same maximum heart rate.

References

Tanaka H, Monahan KD, Seals DR. Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001 Aug;38(2):506-13.

Fox SM, Haskell WL. The exercise stress test: needs for standardization. In: Eliakim M, Neufeld HN, editors. Cardiology: Current Topics and Progress. New York: Academic Press, 1970:149 –54.

Fox SM, Naughton JP, Haskell WL. Physical activity and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Ann Clin Res 1971;3:404 –32.

Kolata, G. Maximum Heart Rate Theory Is Challenged. The New York Times Health Page, April 24, 2001.