How does my functional capacity of 12 metabolic equivalents (mets) and post-exercise ejection fraction (EF) of greater than 75% compare to others in different age groups?

Excellent Functional Capacity for Your Age

At 73 years old with 12 METs achieved on a Bruce protocol, you performed exceptionally well—significantly above average for your age group, placing you in approximately the 75th-85th percentile of functional capacity compared to men in their 70s. 1, 2

Your Performance Breakdown

Absolute Performance

• 12 METs achieved represents very good to excellent functional capacity at any age 1
• You reached Stage 4 of the Bruce protocol, which only 15% of men over 75 complete 3
• The threshold for functional disability is <5 METs or inability to complete Stage 1 of Bruce protocol—you far exceeded this 1

Age-Specific Comparison

For men aged 73:

• Predicted average capacity: Approximately 7.0-7.5 METs using the standard equation (18.0 - 0.15 × age) 2
• Your achievement of 12 METs represents roughly 160-170% of predicted normal for your age 2
• Among men aged 76-80 in clinical populations, median exercise time is 7:22 minutes (approximately 7.7 METs)—you exceeded this substantially 3

Comparison across age groups:

• Age 40-50: Average 11-13 METs; you match or exceed this group 2
• Age 50-60: Average 9-11 METs; you exceed this group 2
• Age 60-70: Average 7-9 METs; you significantly exceed this group 2
• Age 70-80: Average 5-7 METs; you are well above this group 3, 2
• Age >80: Average 4-6 METs; you substantially exceed this group 3

Clinical Significance

Prognostic implications of your performance:

• Achieving ≥10 METs is associated with very low prevalence of myocardial ischemia (0.4% vs 7.1% for those achieving <7 METs) 1
• Exercise capacity is one of the strongest independent predictors of long-term survival and cardiovascular outcomes 1
• Your functional capacity indicates low cardiovascular risk regardless of other test findings 1

Your Ejection Fraction Finding

Post-exercise EF >75%:

• This is at the upper end of normal or mildly elevated 1
• Normal resting EF is 55-70%; post-exercise EF typically increases or remains stable 1
• An EF >75% post-exercise is generally considered a favorable finding indicating robust cardiac contractility 1
• This is not concerning in the context of excellent exercise capacity and absence of symptoms 1

Important Context

• The combination of high functional capacity (12 METs) with preserved/elevated EF indicates excellent cardiovascular reserve 1
• Some athletic or well-conditioned individuals naturally have higher EF values 1
• In the absence of symptoms or other abnormalities, this represents normal physiologic variation 1

Percentile Rankings by Age

Using the nomogram from American Heart Association guidelines 1:

• At age 73 with 12 METs: Approximately 75-85th percentile for your age
• Compared to age 60: 50th-60th percentile
• Compared to age 50: 40th-50th percentile
• Compared to age 40: 30th-40th percentile

Clinical interpretation: You are performing at a level typical of someone 15-20 years younger 2

Practical Activity Equivalents

Your 12 MET capacity allows you to comfortably perform:

• Vigorous cycling, swimming laps, or jogging 4
• Playing singles tennis or basketball 4
• Heavy yard work including shoveling or digging 4
• Climbing multiple flights of stairs rapidly 4
• Most recreational sports without limitation 4

Activities requiring <4 METs (which indicate poor functional capacity) include slow walking, light housework, and golfing with a cart—you far exceed this threshold 4