The results are in!

The results are in! The program coordinator for my cardio rehab sent me over my actual stress test results today. The first test results were based on post surgery recovery, while I was still taking beta-blockers.

These were the results she shared with me:

“At your first stress test back in February, you exercised for the first 3.5 stages of the test (10 mins) and reached a fitness level of 12 METs. One MET = one metabolic equivalent; basically a unit of measurement indicating your exercise capacity or aerobic output.”

“Ohhh, fancy”
The test is done on a special treadmill that basically goes from a normal flat position to almost 45 degrees. I believe if you stayed on it long enough you would likely be tipped right off the back. I guess the point is not to stay on too long on account of being a heart patient and all.

She then got all technical and pulled out the numbers for me:

“At your second test last week, you exercised for 4.5 stages of the test (13 mins) and reached a fitness level of 15 METs. A great improvement! You also reached 102% of your target heart rate, meaning you were able to exercise at your maximum capacity. Based on this test, your new exercise heart rate is 132-165 beats per minute, or 22-28 beats in 10 seconds. This range represents 50-80% of your heart rate reserve, which is a moderate to vigorous guideline for continuing to see aerobic improvements and strengthen your cardiovascular system.”

This is basically science speak for “your Unicorn has a sprightly prance”
My graduation ceremony is on Wednesday from 2-4pm, I am allowed to “bring a friend or family member” so if anyone with an over excitable disposition and a tendency for throwing handfuls of glitter while cheering loudly would like to join, do let me know.

Also bring a Unicorn.