HRmax
HRmax, or maximum heart rate, is the highest heart rate an individual can achieve during maximal aerobic exertion. It is a key metric in exercise physiology and is commonly used to design cardiovascular training programs and to estimate aerobic capacity. HRmax is highly individual and cannot be assumed to be the same for everyone of similar age or fitness.
The simplest estimation is 220 minus age, but there are refined formulas. The Tanaka formula gives HRmax
Direct measurement requires a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill or cycle ergometer under supervision;
Several factors influence HRmax, including genetics, fitness level, medications (notably beta-blockers), sleep, temperature, altitude, and illness.
Applications include determining training zones and calculating heart rate-based prescriptions. One approach uses heart rate reserve
Limitations include day-to-day variability, measurement error, and the fact that an estimate may not reflect an