Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) In Adults

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is used to assess the integrative exercise responses involving the pulmonary, cardiovascular, haematopoietic, neuropsychological, and skeletal muscle systems.

It also used to evaluate.

• Exercise capacity, functional capacity and fitness
• Prognostic and Diagnostic evaluation of the patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions e.g. ( Heart failure, Heart or Thoracic surgery, copd ) etc.

CPET involves the analysis of respiratory gases including.

• Respiratory oxygen uptake (Vo2),
• Carbon dioxide production (Vco2),
• Ventilatory measures during a symptom‐limited exercise test.

Technique

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can be assessed by Laboratory method (treadmill or bicycle ergometer)

Equipments

• Bicycle ergometer or Treadmill
• 12-ECG leads
• Non-invasive blood pressure cuffed monitoring
• A non‐re breathing valve is connected to a mouthpiece to measure VO2 and (VCO2) and also prevent mixing of inspired and expired air
• Pulse oximetry to monitor oxygen saturation levels.

Before attending the test

• Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours before
• Do not take alcohol for 4 hours before
• Do not take vigorous exercise for 30 minutes
• Do not wear any tight clothing that may restrict your breathing
• Do not smoke for at least 1 hour prior