What happens to heart rate in normal adults during aerobic exercise?

During aerobic exercise, heart rate increases progressively in proportion to the intensity of the exercise being performed. This is a physiological response that allows the body to supply more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles that are working harder. The concept of it increasing at a rate of approximately 10 beats per minute (bpm) for every increase of one Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) is based on research that shows this correlation between exercise intensity and heart rate.

As exercise intensity increases, the demands for oxygen and nutrients by the working muscles also rise, prompting the heart to pump more vigorously. This relationship ensures that the body meets its metabolic needs during physical activity. Consequently, the structured increment of 10 bpm per 1 MET is a useful guideline for monitoring exercise intensity and understanding cardiovascular responses during aerobic workouts.