During progressive workloads, heart rate tends to rise by approximately how many beats per minute per 1 MET?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

During progressive workloads, heart rate increases in relation to the energy cost of activity, measured in METs. Each additional MET reflects a higher demand for oxygen and blood flow to working muscles, and the body responds by raising heart rate to deliver that oxygen more quickly. The commonly used estimate is that heart rate rises by about 10 beats per minute for every 1 MET of additional workload. This approximate rule helps guide submaximal testing and fitness interpretation, though individual factors like age, training status, medications, and autonomic balance can shift the exact amount.

So, moving from rest to the next higher MET typically adds roughly 10 bpm to the heart rate. A rise of only about 5 bpm per MET is generally too small, while increases around 15–20 bpm per MET are higher than the typical average, though still possible in some individuals.