heart rate recovery
Decrease in heart rate during the first minute after peak exercise, used as a prognostic marker.
Full Definition
Heart rate recovery (HRR) is the decline in heart rate from peak exercise to one minute post-exercise, reflecting autonomic nervous system function, particularly parasympathetic reactivation. Normal heart rate recovery is defined as a decrease of ≥12 beats per minute in the first minute after exercise cessation. Abnormal or delayed heart rate recovery (≤12 bpm decrease) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. This simple, non-invasive measure provides valuable prognostic information beyond traditional stress test parameters and is increasingly used in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the time interval (usually 1 minute) and express as beats per minute decrease.
In Context
- "Abnormal heart rate recovery of 8 bpm suggested increased cardiovascular risk." — stress test interpretation
- "The patient demonstrated excellent heart rate recovery, indicating good autonomic function." — exercise physiology report