Determine your exercise capacity and evaluate how well your heart and lungs are functioning.
What Is It?
A CPET is an exercise stress test with either a stationary bike or treadmill with added components to provide a deeper analysis into the exercise-related physiological performance of the heart, lungs, circulation and musculoskeletal systems of the body. An electrocardiogram (EKG), oxygen monitor and blood pressure monitor will also be performed to assess changes in a person’s heart electrical activity, heart rate and blood pressure in response to exercise. Lung function is measured at the beginning of the test at the resting phase and also during the exercise phase. Results from the test will be used by the doctor to evaluate peak exercise fitness and to determine to cause of breathlessness, as well as to potentially evaluate response to treatment in certain cardiac and pulmonary conditions.