A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) may be ordered when your physician suspects that your body is exhibiting signs that your lungs may not be taking in enough air to meet the demands of your body.
About the Test
- This test is a relatively non-invasive stress test that determines how hard your lungs, heart and other muscles have to work while you exercise. Additionally a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test reveals if your lung, heart and other muscles are working in unison.
- The test is performed while you ride a bike and is referred to as a “stress test”. During exercise your body requires your muscles to work faster and harder than in a state of rest. As your muscles become “stressed” the muscles that are weaker, often due to disease or other conditions, start to reveal themselves through reduced and limited output.
- It is for this reason that the CPET is considered an extremely dependable and accurate test for determining an individual’s functional capacity.
Monitoring & Tracking Improvement
During the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test your breathing and heart will both be monitored. The amount of oxygen the body is using, as well as the amount of carbon dioxide the body is producing, is monitored during the CPET. Unlike traditional treadmill stress tests that only monitors the heart, a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test evaluates your entire cardiopulmonary system.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests are very sensitive. Due to their sensitivity, it is common that CPETs are repeated as you undergo your treatment via medical therapy or medications. This allows Ocala Lung and Critical Care to track improvements and re-evaluate your condition.
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