Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) In Adults
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is an examination that allows the investigator to simultaneously study the responses of the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems to a known exercise stress.This is possible because gas exchange at the airway is a consequence of cardiac output and pulmonary blood flow, as well as peripheral O2 extraction coupled to ventilation. Thus, the heart, with the circulation, couples gas exchanges (O2 and CO2) of muscle respiration with that at the lungs. The adequacy of the cardiovascular transport of O2 for known exercise work rates is described by the lung gas exchange.[1]
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[edit | edit source]
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can be assessed by Laboratory method (treadmill or bicycle ergometer)
Equipments[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
- 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
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Karlman Wasserman. Principles of Exercise Testing and Interpretation Including Pathophysiology and Clinical Application. 5th edition. Wolters Kluwer Bussiness. 2012
