The faster your heart rate drops after exercise, the lower your risk of dying of a heart attack, according to a 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine that followed 5,713 men for 23 years.

Subtract your heart rate at one minute after a workout from the maximum heart rate you reached during the workout. If the difference is more than 35 beats per minute, you're probably not at an increased risk.

• Heart rate (maximum) minus Heart rate (one minute after workout) = ? (if difference >35 beats per minute then not increased risk of a heart attack)

Otherwise, check the numbers below to determine your risk of dying of a heart attack.

Percentage increase in risk of sudden death due to a heart attack: 110
Drop in heart rate one minute after exercise (measured in beats per minute): < 25
Percentage increase in risk of sudden death due to a heart attack: 30
Drop in heart rate one minute after exercise (measured in beats per minute): 25-30
Percentage increase in risk of sudden death due to a heart attack: 40

Source: Some facts noted after reading an article a while ago...