In Reply to: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE [HOW TO TAKE IT posted by RUDOLF on December 01, 2000 at 20:41:03:

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: WHAT IS THE TARGET HEART RATE? HOW IS THE FORMULA TO FIND IT?High blood pressure is defined by a value of?

Your Target Heart Rate is anywhere between 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate. To determine your maximum heart rate, use 220 minus your age, and then take 50 to 75% of that number. This becomes your Target Heart Rate. If you do not already have a regular exercise program, it is recommended you start out at 50%. Gradually increase it as your body becomes conditioned to exercise up to a maximum of 75%.

Please note that if you have had heart surgery of any kind, including angioplasty, your cardiologist should determine your Target Heart Rate or be cleared with your cardiologist.

If you have had a stroke or blockage of the carotid arteries, your Target Heart Rate should be cleared with your neurologist.

You are determined to have high blood pressure when your resting blood pressure in 140/90 or higher. However, if you have heart disease, your cardiologist may want your BP to be 135/85 or lower. Same applies if you have had a stroke.

However, if your average resting blood pressure is 140/90, your doctor may just want you to exercise on a regular basis and restrict salt in your diet. In other words, with a blood pressure of 140/90, medication to lower may not be prescribed, not at least at first.

Ken