Can maximum heart rate be trained?

Answer 1

It is dangerous to try and train a maximum heart rate. In fact, most athletes train to have a lower average heart rate. This is because a lower average heart rate in athletes is a sign of a healthier, more efficient heart. A higher heart rate is unhealthy for an athlete. Also, trying to train it would assume maintaining it for a prolonged period of time, which can cause respiratory and neurological problems due to irregular blood circulation. So, its possible but highly impractical. Since maximum heart rate is related to muscle mass recruitment & use - does it increase as a function of increased muscle mass following hypertrophy as long as it is maximally recruited in a sport specific way? As you can see the intent was not per se training at prolongued max levels - more about understanding seasonal progressions in maximal HR changes and if indeed they do occur?