Why Doctors Care About METs: Cardiovascular Health and All-Cause Mortality

Keywords: Heart Health, Mortality, MET Capacity, Longevity, Health Metrics

When you do a Cardiac Stress Test (treadmill test), the doctor's report usually highlights a key number: METs. This isn't just about calories burned; it represents your cardiovascular system's Maximum Capacity.

The Science: METs vs. Mortality

A famous study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed: For every 1 MET increase in exercise capacity, survival rate improves by 12%.

• < 5 METs: Poor fitness, high cardiovascular risk.
• 5 - 8 METs: Average population level.
• > 10 METs: Excellent prognosis, very low all-cause mortality.

Your "Functional Reserve"

Think of METs as your body's "Battery Capacity." If walking (3 METs) leaves you breathless, your battery capacity (Max MET) might be only 4-5. This means your body is constantly running at red-line, with zero reserve for illness or stress.

But if you train your Max MET up to 12, daily activities become "low-power standby" mode for you.

Monitor Growth with MET Goals

Improving Max MET requires progressive Zone Training. Use MET Goals to track your ratio of vigorous activity (>6 METs). Try to add a little "High MET Time" each week. It's the best investment for longevity.