Final answer:
In health contexts, a failure for the heart rate to decrease by at least 12 beats in the first minute or 22 beats by the second minute after exercise indicates a higher risk of mortality for those with or at risk of ischemic heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A failure of the heart rate (HR) to decrease by at least 12 beats during the first minute or 22 beats by the end of the second minute of active postexercise recovery is strongly associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients diagnosed with or at increased risk for ischemic heart disease (IHD). This measurement is an important part of assessing cardiac function after exertion, as it can be a marker of how well the heart recovers from physical stress. In the context of exercise physiology, when a person exercises vigorously, such as reaching a heart rate of 150 beats per minute during strenuous activity, the heart is expected to efficiently slow down once the activity ceases. This slowing down, or heart rate recovery (HRR), is an important indicator of cardiac fitness and overall health. When the HR does not decrease as expected, it suggests potential problems with the cardiovascular system.