Ergospirometry or cardiopulmonary exercise stress test (CPET) is a simple, repeatable, and precise non-invasive test that provides additional useful information atop of the standard exercise test. It has become an intergral part of the arsenal of cardiological testing. Beside the accurate assessment of the maximum aerobic capacity, CEPT is indispenisble for determining the cause of breathlessness (dyspnoea) under physical stress as well as the normal response of the pulmonary and cardiovascular system under physical stress. The analysis of expiratory gases can assess functional aerobic capacity, the cause of reduced physical stress tolerance, and the prognosis in various groups of patients with cardiac, pulmonary and muscular diseases. The parameter choice depends on the disease we analyze, heart insufficiency, treatment and rehabilitation effect estimate.
Indications:
- Dyspnoea estimation under physical stress
- Assessment of functionl cardiopulmonary capacity
- Assessment of the condition prior to physical activity (rehabilitaiton or sports)
- Direct measurement of oxygen consumption in unit of time (functional capacity)
- Risk stratification and heart insufficiency prognosis
- Pacemaker optimization
- Assessment of working ability – ability for certain occupations
- Evaluation of the importance of valvular defects
- Tracking the results of medical or surgical terapy
How it’s done :
Cardiopulmonary exercise stress test in performed on an ergocycle or a treadmill with constant ECG monitoring and blood pressure measurement at the end of each level. The patient wears a face mask which tracks gas exchange and measures oxygen consumption (cardiovascular system) and carbon dioxide elimination as well as the change of ventilatory parameters and breathing reserve (pulmonary system).
Preparation:
The test requires your consent and your sincere cooperation to be done properly. It is done under the supervision of a cardilogist or internist.
Follow the instructions below:
- Avoid hard physical labour 24 hour before the test, and spend the night before sleeping and resting
- Do not smoke before the test
- Avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol
- Have a light meal one to two hours before the test
- Take you medications unless your cardiologist said not to.
- During the test be calm and collected and wear comfortable clothes