Heart Utilisation: A Practical Indicator of Heart Performance and Health
Your heart is more than just a beating muscle—it’s a vital indicator of your overall health. One way to understand how hard your heart is working is by measuring your heart utilisation. This figure, expressed as a percentage, compares your current heart rate to your maximum heart rate (MHR)—the highest number of beats per minute (bpm) your heart can handle during intense physical effort.
The MHR is typically estimated by subtracting your age from 220. For example, a 40-year-old would have an estimated MHR of 180 bpm. If their heart is currently beating at 90 bpm, that represents 50% of their maximum capacity. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy heart should generally beat at less than 50% of its maximum when at rest, while moderate to vigorous physical activity typically pushes utilisation to 51–85%, which is still considered safe and effective for most people.
Importantly, heart utilisation can also be measured while at rest or during everyday activities. This is especially useful for people monitoring their health outside of a workout setting. If your heart rate is elevated during rest—say above 50% of your maximum—it may indicate that your body is under physical stress, poorly rested, dehydrated, or experiencing anxiety. In some cases, it could suggest an underlying issue that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
As we age, our maximum heart rate naturally decreases, meaning our target zones for exercise—and even rest—adjust accordingly. Monitoring your heart utilisation regularly, even when not exercising, helps you better understand your body’s response to stress, fitness levels, and overall heart health. Tools like smartwatches and fitness trackers can make this process simple and insightful.
Understanding and tracking your heart utilisation empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Whether you’re engaging in a workout or simply taking a break at your desk, knowing your numbers can help you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
References
Disclaimer
The contents of this article the intellectual property of Alula Health and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Alula. The information provided in the articles is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases or other medical conditions. Although some content may be generated by AI (ChatGPT (Open AI, https://chat.openai.com)), all articles are critically reviewed and approved by skilled human editors to ensure its accuracy, authenticity and validity.
The MHR is typically estimated by subtracting your age from 220. For example, a 40-year-old would have an estimated MHR of 180 bpm. If their heart is currently beating at 90 bpm, that represents 50% of their maximum capacity. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy heart should generally beat at less than 50% of its maximum when at rest, while moderate to vigorous physical activity typically pushes utilisation to 51–85%, which is still considered safe and effective for most people.
Importantly, heart utilisation can also be measured while at rest or during everyday activities. This is especially useful for people monitoring their health outside of a workout setting. If your heart rate is elevated during rest—say above 50% of your maximum—it may indicate that your body is under physical stress, poorly rested, dehydrated, or experiencing anxiety. In some cases, it could suggest an underlying issue that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
As we age, our maximum heart rate naturally decreases, meaning our target zones for exercise—and even rest—adjust accordingly. Monitoring your heart utilisation regularly, even when not exercising, helps you better understand your body’s response to stress, fitness levels, and overall heart health. Tools like smartwatches and fitness trackers can make this process simple and insightful.
Understanding and tracking your heart utilisation empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Whether you’re engaging in a workout or simply taking a break at your desk, knowing your numbers can help you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
References
- American Heart Association. (2023). Target Heart Rates Chart. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org-en-healthy-living-fitness-fitness-basics-target-heart-rates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Measuring Physical Activity Intensity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov-physical-activity-basics-measuring-index.html
Disclaimer
The contents of this article the intellectual property of Alula Health and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Alula. The information provided in the articles is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases or other medical conditions. Although some content may be generated by AI (ChatGPT (Open AI, https://chat.openai.com)), all articles are critically reviewed and approved by skilled human editors to ensure its accuracy, authenticity and validity.