======Heart Rate Recovery======


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**Alternative titles:** Post-Exercise Heart Rate Drop
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Perform a workout or exercise session that raises heart rate substantially.  
  - Record peak heart rate at the end of the intense exercise period.  
  - Immediately stop exercising and rest (active rest by walking slowly, or passive rest by sitting/lying down, depending on medical advice).  
  - After one minute, record heart rate again.  
  - Subtract the one-minute value from the peak heart rate to determine HRR (in beats per minute).  
  - Optionally, record additional heart rates at 2–5 minutes to examine the “slow phase” of HRR.  
  - Compare values to the guideline that a drop of 18 bpm or greater after one minute generally indicates good heart health.



====Links==== 
📄 Heart Rate Recovery - Cleveland Clinic: [[https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23490-heart-rate-recovery]]\\


====Variations====
  * Measure HRR after 10 seconds for fast-phase analysis.  
  * Record HRR at multiple time points (30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes).  
  * Compare HRR during active rest versus passive rest.  
  * Track HRR over weeks or months of exercise training to monitor improvement.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Consult a healthcare provider before attempting HRR testing, especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other health concerns.  
  * Use reliable heart rate monitoring equipment for accuracy.  
  * Stop immediately if you experience dizziness, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath.  
  * Perform the test in a safe environment where assistance is available if needed.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why is HRR an important measure of cardiovascular fitness? (It reflects how efficiently the autonomic nervous system restores heart rate after exertion.)  
  * What factors can influence HRR besides exercise? (Age, presence of cardiovascular disease, medications, fitness level, recovery method.)  
  * Why might a healthcare provider prefer active rest for some patients and passive rest for others? (To safely control stress on the heart depending on cardiovascular condition.)  
  * What does a low HRR suggest about the autonomic nervous system? (It may indicate impaired parasympathetic response or sympathetic overactivity, associated with higher heart disease risk.)  
  * How can exercise training improve HRR? (By strengthening cardiovascular function and improving autonomic balance.)