What is defined as the highest number of times that the heart can beat in one minute?

The highest number of times that the heart can beat in one minute is referred to as maximum heart rate. This value is an important metric in exercise physiology as it represents the upper limit of what an individual’s cardiovascular system can handle during intense physical activity. Maximum heart rate can be estimated using a simple formula: 220 minus the person's age; however, individual variations can occur due to factors like fitness level and genetics.

Understanding maximum heart rate is critical for setting appropriate training intensities, determining safe exercise thresholds, and designing effective cardiovascular training programs. Unlike cardiac output, which measures the amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute, or target heart rate, which is a specific range intended for optimal training, maximum heart rate is the absolute peak, making it distinct and essential for fitness assessments. Resting heart rate, meanwhile, indicates the heart's rate when at rest, typically lower than the maximum heart rate, highlighting different aspects of cardiovascular health and conditioning.