How to Calculate Your Heart Rate While Climbing a Mountain

Climbing a mountain is strenuous physical activity that is sure to increase your heart rate. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 to 100 beats per minute, although this number is usually lower for well-conditioned athletes. Keeping track of your heart rate can ensure you're fitness level is improving while keeping your heart healthy, building your endurance and burning calories.

Calculate Heart Rate Climbing a Mountain

Tips and Warnings

• You can regularly check your pulse with your fingers, although this might be difficult while climbing a mountain. Several heart rate monitor watches are on the market that will allow you to keep track of your pulse safely and conveniently.
• A rapid pulse in combination with shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and nausea could indicate altitude sickness. Reduce your altitude until your body adjusts to the lack of oxygen in the mountains. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience confusion, chest tightness, a pale complexion, coughing or the inability to walk a straight line. A consistent resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beating per minute may indicate an underlying medical problem, especially if you feel dizzy, have difficulties breathing or lose consciousness.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator (optional)
• Heart rate monitor (optional)

References

• American Heart Association: Target Heart Rate
• MayoClinic.com: Heart Rate -- What is Normal?
• PubMed Health: Acute Mountain Sickness