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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:
bulletOverestimates the maximum heart rate in young people.
bulletUnderestimates the maximum heart rate in older people.
bulletAt 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.