Male 61 stress test at 60 max hr197 ex 5 days a wk 30 min stationary bike with avg hr 139, max 160, but 1 min recovery hr of only eg 160-138/150-129 why so low? what's a good hr exercise range for me?

Your Goals Unclear:: Stress test for medical, cad, lung function, coordination, aerobic fitness, what? Stress test for CAD (all forms) largely useless because only detects extremely advanced disease ; ↑es odds mi. Heart rate controlled by brain, not heart; continuous feedback ; adjustment both during ; in between every single beat. Thus hr is only a crude guide, varies widely ; depends on both individual ; goal(s).

It depends: Your maxiuum heart rate during exercise shows your physiologic age assuming no arrythmia is present. At the maximum, your metabolism is at its highest function for generating usable energy. Higher heart rates during exercise contribute more to endurance and cardiovascular fitness. More moderate heart rates will preferentially metabolize fat over long periods of time. Ask a personal trainer.

Healthy heart: The healthier the heart, the faster the heart rate drops down after stopping exercise. It is generally recommended to aim for an exercise heart rate of about 70 percent of maximum. To achieve aerobic fitness, it is better to maintain a more modest target heart rate for 30 minutes or more than to shoot for a higher heart rate for a shorter duration. It sounds like you are doing a great job!