Final answer:
The target heart rate range is where both the heart and lungs optimally benefit from an aerobic workout, typically between 120 and 160 bpm for healthy adults. It varies with age, as the maximum heart rate decreases when aging, calculated by 220 minus the person's age. Monitoring heart rate during exercise is essential for maintaining proper cardiac output.
Step-by-step explanation:
The target heart rate range is defined as the range in which both the heart and lungs receive the maximum benefit from an aerobic workout. For healthy adults, it is generally recommended to maintain a heart rate between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm) during aerobic exercise. This range helps to ensure that cardiac output (CO) is maintained, meaning that the heart is able to effectively circulate blood throughout the body, providing oxygen and nutrients to tissues while also benefiting lung function. As individuals age, their maximum heart rates decrease, which can be estimated by subtracting their age from 220.
Heart rates outside the target range, such as bradycardia (below 60 bpm) or tachycardia (above 100 bpm at rest), may require medical attention, especially if associated with symptoms like dizziness or chest discomfort. In people engaged in regular intense aerobic exercise, such as trained athletes, resting heart rates may naturally be lower without being a cause for concern.