A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) involves seeing how your heart, lungs and muscles respond to exercise. Our specialist team of clinical scientists, specialist nurses and physiologists will guide you through this test.
During the test we measure how much air you breathe, how much oxygen you need and how fast your heart is beating whilst you are exercising.
The test involves pedaling a static exercise bike against a slowly increasing resistance, which is like cycling up a virtual hill. CPET is useful for identifying causes of shortness of breath, or heart and lung conditions.
It can also be used before having major surgery, as CPET mimics the extra work required when having and recovering from surgery.
The CPET appointment may last about 90 minutes, but you will only be exercising for about 10 to 15 minutes. At the end of the test, you will feel tired, but should be fully recovered within 5 to 10 minutes after exercise.
Throughout the test we will take measurements of your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and volumes of air breathed in and out.
In most cases the anaesthetist (a specialist doctor) will discuss the results of your test with you during your appointment.
The CPET results can also help the hospital staff to decide if any further health or lifestyle support before surgery may be of benefit to you, in ensuring you are in the best possible health.