I'm trying to understand a recent exercise test result and have some worries. During the Bruce Protocol, I lasted for just over 7 minutes and reached 10.10 METs. My heart rate hit 179 beats per minute, which is apparently 95% of what they'd expect as my maximum. They stopped the test at that point, saying I'd hit my target heart rate. There was no usual chest pain, but I'm still concerned about whether stopping because of the heart rate is normal. Does this result suggest any potential heart issues I should be aware of?

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

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The patient's exercise performance on the Bruce Protocol is impressive, reaching a workload of 10.10 METs and achieving a peak heart rate of 179 beatsminute, which is 95% of the predicted maximum. Since the exercise was terminated due to reaching the target heart rate without experiencing classical angina, it indicates good cardiovascular fitness. For the blood pressure response, it would be ideal to monitor the patient's blood pressure during exercise and recovery to assess their cardiovascular health comprehensively. In this case, considering the patient's exercise capacity and heart rate response, it would be beneficial to continue monitoring their blood pressure during physical activity to ensure safety and optimal performance. As for medication, based on the information provided, I would recommend discussing with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on any necessary medications or adjustments to the current regimen.

Answered 04/07/2025